Middle East: Cotton Sewing Thread Market 2025

Cotton Sewing Thread Market Size in the Middle East

In 2021, the Middle Eastern cotton sewing thread market increased by 5.4% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +5.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Cotton Sewing Thread Production in the Middle East

In value terms, cotton sewing thread production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +66.9% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020, and then fell slightly in the following year.

Cotton Sewing Thread Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, shipments abroad of cotton sewing thread decreased by -15.6% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 197% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton sewing thread exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, showed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 110% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Turkey represented the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which reached 84% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Oman (X tons), mixing up an 11% share of total exports. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

Turkey was also the fastest-growing in terms of the cotton sewing thread exports, with a CAGR of +17.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Oman (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, the United Arab Emirates (-6.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Turkey (+46 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Oman (-8 p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (-8.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the largest cotton sewing thread supplier in the Middle East, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Oman ($X), with a 13% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Turkey amounted to +14.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Oman (-1.9% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (-2.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 53% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild contraction. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Oman ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+3.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Cotton Sewing Thread Imports

Imports in the Middle East

Cotton sewing thread imports fell slightly to X tons in 2021, reducing by -2.5% on the year before. Overall, imports continue to indicate a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton sewing thread imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Turkey (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented roughly 41% of total imports in 2021. Iraq (X tons) took a 12% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Iran (11%), Oman (7.8%), Bahrain (7%) and Lebanon (6%). Yemen (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 main importing countries, was attained by Oman (with a CAGR of +14.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Turkey ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Iraq ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 66% of total imports. These countries were followed by Iran, Oman, Yemen, Bahrain and Lebanon, which together accounted for a further 19%.

Oman, with a CAGR of +9.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 24% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a slight curtailment. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 Turkey ($X per ton), while Lebanon ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Iraq (+7.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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