France: Flax Fiber Market 2025

Flax Fiber Market Size in France

In 2022, the French flax fiber market decreased by -2% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -3.1% against 2020 indices. Flax fiber consumption peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Flax Fiber Production in France

In value terms, flax fiber production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -0.4% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

The average yield of flax fiber in France totaled X tons per ha in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021. Overall, the yield, however, saw a mild slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the yield increased by 8.9% against the previous year. The flax fiber yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The flax fiber harvested area in France stood at X ha in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. In general, the total harvested area indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, flax fiber harvested area decreased by -0.4% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 19%. The flax fiber harvested area peaked at X ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Flax Fiber Exports

Exports from France

For the fourth year in a row, France recorded growth in overseas shipments of flax fiber, which increased by 5.8% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +29.7% against 2014 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 25%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, flax fiber exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate resilient growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 43%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and India (X tons) were the main destinations of flax fiber exports from France, with a combined 85% share of total exports. Lithuania, Hong Kong SAR, Tunisia and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 9.1%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +188.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for flax fiber exports from France, comprising 58% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 20% share of total exports. It was followed by India, with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China totaled +10.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+10.8% per year) and India (+25.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average flax fiber export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 18% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.8%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the average export price increased by 22%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Tunisia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+9.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Flax Fiber Imports

Imports into France

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in purchases abroad of flax fiber, when their volume decreased by -37.6% to X tons. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 198%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then reduced remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, flax fiber imports shrank notably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 258% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then declined sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Belgium (X tons) constituted the largest flax fiber supplier to France, accounting for a 71% share of total imports. Moreover, flax fiber imports from Belgium exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Latvia (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Belgium totaled +6.8%.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) constituted the largest supplier of flax fiber to France, comprising 72% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Latvia ($X), with a 24% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Belgium totaled +7.0%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average flax fiber import price amounted to $X per ton, approximately mirroring the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 49%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the price for Latvia amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Latvia (+5.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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