Terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics and tufted textile fabrics excluding carpets and textile floor coverings and excluding narrow fabrics market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market for terry and tufted fabrics in Portugal remained stable at around 87–88 million US dollars, supported by the sector's strong industrial know-how, technological innovation, and specialization in design and quality. However, the market contracted to 80.7 million in 2020 and further to 71.0 million in 2021. During this period, the sector saw the entry of new digital players such as Texland, founded in 2020, which focused on online fabric sales, reflecting a shift towards e-commerce. Additionally, there was a growing adoption of ecological certifications and sustainable processes in partner factories. In 2021, the implementation of Decree-Law No. 6/2021, which enforces the EU mutual recognition regulation for goods, affected market access and trade within the European Union.

A sharp recovery began in 2022, with the market expanding by 29.6% to 92.0 million US dollars. This growth was driven by record Portuguese textile exports, which rose 13.1% compared to 2021, fueled by ongoing investments in technology and design. The sector also expanded into technical textiles and sustainable materials, exemplified by the award-winning Cork-A-Tex project using cork waste. European regulatory pressure for mandatory recycled fiber content from 2028 further stimulated innovation. Growth continued in 2023, with a 5% increase in export value at the start of the year and maintained investments in digitization and sustainability. By 2024, the market reached 124.5 million US dollars, marking a 19.1% increase from the previous year and completing a strong rebound.

Production terry fabrics and tufted fabrics in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's production of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, as well as tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 72 947 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.2% reduction compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.8%.

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

Exports terry fabrics and tufted fabrics from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Exports of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, along with tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), from Portugal increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 313.3 tonnes, reflecting a sharp rise of 39.0% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 5%, with a CAGR of -1.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 222.5 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 32.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and the United States formed the dominant pair of markets for Portugal's exports in kind, jointly accounting for 82.0% of total flows, while other countries made up the remaining share.

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

After a two-year decline, Portugal's exports of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, as well as tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), increased. In 2021, exports totalled 2 759 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a steep uptick of 69.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 10.7%, with a CAGR of 3.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 625 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 33.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain (54.4% of exports in value terms), the United States (22.4%), and France (5.6%) stood out as the main markets for Portugal's exports in value terms, together representing 82.3% 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 terry fabrics and tufted fabrics to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Imports of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, along with tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), into Portugal increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 69.4 tonnes, corresponding to a significant uptick of 98.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 586%, equating to an annualized rate of 90.0%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, three principal markets—China, Pakistan, and Italy—together accounted for 81.8% of total imports in kind of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, as well as tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), into Portugal.

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

Imports of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, along with tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), into Portugal increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 845 thousand US dollars, which is 316.2% higher than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports soared by 615.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 92.7%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Italy (35.8% of imports in value terms), China (35.3%), and Pakistan (7.7%) remained the main markets for imports in value terms of terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, as well as tufted textile fabrics (excluding carpets, textile floor coverings, and narrow fabrics), into Portugal, jointly accounting for 78.9% of total flows.

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

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