Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for sewing thread of man-made staple fibres experienced notable shifts in volume between 2018 and 2024. After an initial market size of 1 216 t in 2018, it contracted significantly to 841 t in 2019. This occurred as the textile industry, largely composed of small and medium enterprises, continued its adaptation to European and national labelling requirements for textile fibre composition, a longstanding regulation. The subsequent period was shaped by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted global supply chains and caused a sharp decline in exports in 2020. To meet demand, imports surged, driving the domestic market volume up to 899 t that year and further to 1 049 t in 2021 amid a slow, steady sectoral recovery and a growing industry focus on sustainable production practices.

The market reached its peak of 1 299 t in 2022, a period of significant investment and innovation. The industry channeled substantial funds into the fibres, yarns, and fabrics segment, while strategic partnerships, such as with Mehler Engineered Products, were formed to develop new materials and technologies. This coincided with the increased production and commercialization of high-tenacity 100% polyester sewing threads, reflecting direct product innovation that expanded market offerings. Concurrently, the anticipation of stricter EU regulations aimed at curbing microplastic pollution began to influence production planning for synthetic and artificial fibres.

From this peak, the market volume declined to 1 006 t in 2023 and 883 t in 2024. This contraction took place against the backdrop of the impending regulatory changes on microplastics, which directly affect fibre design and production. Although global production of both artificial cellulosic and fossil-based synthetic fibres continued to grow during this period, the Portuguese market adjusted under the influence of these regulatory pressures and sustained international competition, with the industry maintaining its broader commitment to innovation and circular economy principles.

Production sewing thread of man-made staple fibres in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the output value of sewing thread made from man-made staple fibers reached $8,242 thousand in 2021, marking a significant contraction of 18.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 37.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 25.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020, at 3.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Production of sewing thread from man-made staple fibers in Portugal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 707 tons, reflecting a 12.3% decrease compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 32.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.3%.

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

Exports sewing thread of man-made staple fibres from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, deliveries of sewing thread from man-made staple fibers from Portugal amounted to 164.7 tons, showing a dramatic decrease of 52.0% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 343.2 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 172.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports in kind of sewing thread from man-made staple fibers from Portugal were largely oriented towards Spain and Poland. Their combined share reached 82.4% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 and reached a high in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference. In 2021, Portugal exported $1,420 thousand worth of sewing thread from man-made staple fibers, marking a notable drop of 17.2% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at $1,716 thousand, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 106.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for exports in value terms of sewing thread from man-made staple fibers from Portugal were Spain, accounting for 58.1% of exports, Poland at 14.1%, and Morocco also at 14.1%. Together, they formed 86.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sewing thread of man-made staple fibres to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's volume of sewing thread imports from man-made staple fibers increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totaled 506.2 tons, which is 16.0% greater compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 101.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the country structure of imports in kind was dominated by China, which accounted for 85.2% of total flows, while other destinations were relatively small.

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

Deliveries of sewing thread from man-made staple fibers to Portugal increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal imported $2,599 thousand worth, up by 35.4% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 75.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at $1,388 thousand, with the largest decline in that year at 6.5%, and the largest increase in 2020 at 38.3%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, China consistently accounted for 71.9% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the rest was shared among other countries.

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

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