GCC: Knitted Fabric Market 2025

Knitted Fabric Market Size in GCC

The GCC knitted fabric market skyrocketed to $X in 2021, picking up by 60% against the previous year. In general, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Knitted Fabric Production in GCC

In value terms, knitted fabric production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 84%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Knitted Fabric Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of knitted or crocheted fabrics, when their volume increased by 40% to X tons. In general, exports enjoyed temperate growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 93%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, knitted fabric exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports enjoyed a notable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 78%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, the United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented the major exporter of knitted or crocheted fabrics, constituting 69% of total exports. Saudi Arabia (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 16% share, followed by Oman (15%).

The United Arab Emirates experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics. At the same time, Oman (+32.9%) and Saudi Arabia (+5.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Oman emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +32.9% from 2012-2021. While the share of Oman (+14 p.p.) and Saudi Arabia (+3.4 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of the United Arab Emirates (-15.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the largest knitted fabric supplier in GCC, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 23% share of total exports.

In the United Arab Emirates, knitted fabric exports contracted by an average annual rate of -1.0% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+5.5% per year) and Oman (+31.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -13.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 45%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+0.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Knitted Fabric Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of knitted or crocheted fabrics imported in GCC skyrocketed to X tons, jumping by 53% on the year before. Total imports indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +73.3% against 2018 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, knitted fabric imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the key importer of knitted or crocheted fabrics in GCC, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was near 54% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), Kuwait (X tons) and Qatar (X tons), together creating a 42% share of total imports. Oman (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Qatar (with a CAGR of +29.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported knitted or crocheted fabrics in GCC, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by Kuwait, with a 9.9% share.

In the United Arab Emirates, knitted fabric imports contracted by an average annual rate of -3.4% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+12.3% per year) and Kuwait (+13.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 8.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 28%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kuwait ($X per ton), while Qatar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+2.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform