Saudi Arabia: Cotton Fabric Market 2025

Cotton Fabric Market Size in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi cotton fabric market rose rapidly to $X in 2021, picking up by 8.1% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -7.6% against 2019 indices. Cotton fabric consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cotton Fabric Production in Saudi Arabia

In value terms, cotton fabric production expanded notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 85% against the previous year. Cotton fabric production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cotton Fabric Exports

Exports from Saudi Arabia

In 2021, cotton fabric exports from Saudi Arabia fell to X tons, with a decrease of -1.6% against the previous year's figure. Overall, exports, however, recorded measured growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 301% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cotton fabric exports reduced to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded mild growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 288% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main destination for cotton fabric exports from Saudi Arabia, with a 25% share of total exports. Moreover, cotton fabric exports to the United Arab Emirates exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Lebanon (X tons), threefold. Kuwait (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United Arab Emirates amounted to +39.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lebanon (+166.0% per year) and Kuwait (+60.5% per year).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the key foreign market for woven fabrics of cotton exports from Saudi Arabia, comprising 17% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Lebanon ($X), with a 2.5% share of total exports. It was followed by Kuwait, with a 1.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United Arab Emirates stood at +17.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lebanon (+108.0% per year) and Kuwait (+8.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average cotton fabric export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, falling by -6.3% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 50% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Jordan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Lebanon ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Yemen (+21.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Cotton Fabric Imports

Imports into Saudi Arabia

Cotton fabric imports into Saudi Arabia declined rapidly to X tons in 2018, with a decrease of -41.5% on the year before. Overall, imports saw a precipitous slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 76%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2018, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cotton fabric imports contracted dramatically to $X in 2018. Over the period under review, imports faced a dramatic curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 86%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2018, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Pakistan (X tons), India (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of cotton fabric imports to Saudi Arabia, with a combined 75% share of total imports. Moreover, cotton fabric imports in Pakistan exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, India, threefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Pakistan (with a CAGR of +19.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Pakistan ($X), India ($X) and China ($X) constituted the largest cotton fabric suppliers to Saudi Arabia, together comprising 75% of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Pakistan, with a CAGR of +15.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average cotton fabric import price stood at less than $X per ton in 2021, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a notable expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 24% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Switzerland (+4.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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