SADC: Cotton Sewing Thread Market 2025

Cotton Sewing Thread Market Size in SADC

In 2021, the SADC cotton sewing thread market increased by 5.6% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Cotton Sewing Thread Production in SADC

In value terms, cotton sewing thread production contracted slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 23%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2020, and then reduced modestly in the following year.

Cotton Sewing Thread Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2021, shipments abroad of cotton sewing thread decreased by -25.5% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after five years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 51%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cotton sewing thread exports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 42% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, South Africa (X tons), Lesotho (X tons) and Malawi (X tons) was the largest exporter of cotton sewing thread in SADC, making up 95% of total export.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Lesotho (with a CAGR of +48.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) emerged as the largest cotton sewing thread supplier in SADC, comprising 57% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Lesotho ($X), with a 28% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa stood at +3.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Lesotho (+34.0% per year) and Malawi (+8.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 17% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild downturn. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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 South Africa ($X per ton), while Malawi ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+1.6%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Cotton Sewing Thread Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2021, supplies from abroad of cotton sewing thread decreased by -1.1% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 43% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cotton sewing thread imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 60%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of cotton sewing thread imports in 2021 were Lesotho (X tons), Botswana (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons), together amounting to 64% of total import. It was distantly followed by Tanzania (X tons), South Africa (X tons) and Angola (X tons), together achieving a 22% share of total imports. The following importers - Mauritius (X tons) and Madagascar (X tons) - each finished at a 6.7% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Swaziland (with a CAGR of +28.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cotton sewing thread importing markets in SADC were Swaziland ($X), Lesotho ($X) and Botswana ($X), together comprising 61% of total imports.

Swaziland, with a CAGR of +21.4%, recorded 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 more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 Mauritius ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+11.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform