United Kingdom: Cotton Sewing Thread Market 2025

Cotton Sewing Thread Market Size in the UK

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was growth in the UK cotton sewing thread market, when its value increased by 0.6% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Cotton sewing thread consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Cotton Sewing Thread Production in the UK

In value terms, cotton sewing thread production expanded remarkably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a sharp curtailment. Cotton sewing thread production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Cotton Sewing Thread Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2021, approx. X tons of cotton sewing thread were exported from the UK; with a decrease of -30.7% against 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports recorded a pronounced slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 98% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cotton sewing thread exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 41%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for cotton sewing thread exports from the UK, with a 41% share of total exports. Moreover, cotton sewing thread exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Moldova (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Morocco (X tons), with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Moldova (+13.7% per year) and Morocco (+6.4% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for cotton sewing thread exports from the UK, comprising 38% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Moldova ($X), with a 5.4% share of total exports. It was followed by Romania, with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States amounted to -1.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Moldova (+12.9% per year) and Romania (-5.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average cotton sewing thread export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 72% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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 Romania ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Israel ($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 Romania (+16.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Cotton Sewing Thread Imports

Imports into the UK

After two years of decline, overseas purchases of cotton sewing thread increased by 6.6% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports showed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 78%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton sewing thread imports amounted to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 31%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest cotton sewing thread supplier to the UK, with a 40% share of total imports. Moreover, cotton sewing thread imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, India (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Turkey (X tons), with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China stood at +6.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (+26.1% per year) and Turkey (+44.4% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of cotton sewing thread to the UK, comprising 39% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China stood at +8.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (+20.8% per year) and Germany (-14.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average cotton sewing thread import price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -5.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 102%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+1.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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