Multiple or cabled synthetic yarn market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Portugal's production of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn fell from 4 623 t to 3 548 t in 2019, with market volume dropping to 4 134 t. This decline coincided with the entry of new players focused on technical yarns and recycled fibers, reflecting a broader industry shift toward sustainability. Production rebounded to 3 913 t in 2020, and market volume rose to 4 414 t, largely driven by pandemic-related demand for yarn used in face masks and personal protective equipment, which stimulated the technical textiles segment.

After 2020, production data became unavailable, but import volumes remained in the range of 550–765 t per year through 2025, with a peak in 2022. Exports fluctuated between 78 t and 138 t annually. During this period, Portuguese manufacturers invested in modernizing production facilities and expanding capacity to meet diverse industrial applications, while stricter European sustainability and labeling regulations required greater transparency and certification for synthetic yarns.

Throughout the full period from 2018 to 2025, the Portuguese market for multiple or cabled synthetic yarn was characterized by a strong emphasis on recycled fibers and compliance with environmental standards such as GRS 4.0. The expansion of yarn use into related sectors like footwear and decoration, supported by innovations in composition and finish, helped diversify demand and align with evolving consumer preferences for high-performance, eco-friendly products.

Production multiple or cabled synthetic yarn in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's production of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 14 722 thousand US dollars, marking a 2.3% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production fell by 24.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2020, Portugal produced 3 913 tonnes of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn, showing a strong year-on-year increase of 10.3%. However, from 2018 to 2020, overall production decreased by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.4%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 3 548 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 23.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports multiple or cabled synthetic yarn from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn from Portugal showed significant volatility during this period. The peak was in 2019 at 148 tonnes, while the trough was in 2020 at 57 tonnes, resulting in a 2.6-fold fluctuation. In 2021, exports rebounded to 138 tonnes, representing a substantial increase of 142.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 61.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Canada, and Spain were the top buyers of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn from Portugal in terms of volume. The United States accounted for 31.5% of exports, Canada for 20.2%, and Spain for 15.6%. Together, these three countries made up 67.3% of Portugal's total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn from Portugal experienced irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The high point was in 2019 at 631 thousand US dollars, and the low point was in 2020 at 204 thousand US dollars, with a 3.1-fold variation. In 2021, exports increased to 580 thousand US dollars, up by 184.6% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020, falling by 67.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United States, and Canada were the leading destinations for Portugal's exports of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn in value terms. Spain accounted for 20.9% of exports, the United States for 19.0%, and Canada for 12.0%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 51.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports multiple or cabled synthetic yarn to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 552 tonnes, a slight reduction of 1.2% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 49.4%, equating to an average annual decline of 20.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, China, and Turkey were the main sources of imports in kind for multiple or cabled synthetic yarn into Portugal. The United Kingdom accounted for 24.3% of imports, China for 23.8%, and Turkey for 20.2%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Portugal's imports of multiple or cabled synthetic yarn in value terms showed a slight increase. In 2021, imports reached 2 677 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 53.7%, with an average annual decline of 22.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 668 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 36.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, China, and Turkey were the primary sources of imports in value terms for multiple or cabled synthetic yarn into Portugal. The United Kingdom accounted for 22.1% of imports, China for 21.4%, and Turkey for 12.9%. Combined, these three countries made up 56.4% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021