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Summary of Trends in Natural and Man-made Fibres Trade

Core Content

This report provides an in-depth analysis of global trends in the trade of natural and man-made fibres, yarn, and fabrics from 1996 to 2023. It outlines the transformation of the textile supply chain, the evolution of trade values and volumes, and the role of trade policies and non-tariff measures (NTMs) in shaping market access conditions. The report also highlights the differing integration strategies of countries in the global fibre industry and the future outlook for the sector.

Main Points

• Global Shift to Man-made Fibres:
  Man-made fibres, especially synthetic ones derived from fossil fuels, have dominated global fibre production, increasing their share from 45% in 1996 to 72.7% in 2023.

  • Global man-made fibre production rose from 22.2 million tons in 1996 to 89.6 million tons in 2023.
  • Cotton production increased slightly from 19.6 to 24.7 million tons, but its market share fell from 39.5% to 20.1%.
  • Other natural fibres (vegetable and animal) collectively accounted for only 7% of global production in 2023, down from 15% in 1996.

• Trade Trends:

  • Global fibre trade value nearly doubled from $20 billion in 1996 to $38 billion in 2023, peaking at $47 billion in 2022.
  • Man-made fibres overtook cotton in traded value in 2023, with man-made fibres accounting for 41.6% of total fibre trade value.
  • Trade in yarn and fabrics has been consistently dominated by man-made fibres, with man-made yarns representing 65% of total yarn trade value and 70% of fabric trade value.
  • Cotton remained the largest contributor to fibre trade volume, but its share declined from 41.9% in 1996 to 44.7% in 2022, before dropping to 39.3% in 2023.
  • Trade volume for man-made fibres increased from 4.0 to 6.7 million tons, while other natural fibres saw a relative decline in trade share.

• Market Access and Trade Policies:

  • Tariffs have generally declined, but tariff escalation persists, with higher rates on processed products like yarn and fabrics compared to raw fibres.
  • NTMs are more prevalent for natural fibres, especially SPS measures and TBTs, creating greater market access challenges.
  • Man-made fibres face fewer NTMs, indicating a more uniform and less restrictive trade environment.
  • The trade-to-production ratio for natural fibres is higher than for man-made fibres, suggesting more international processing and trade of natural fibres.

• Country Integration Strategies:

  • China leads in integrated supply chains, dominating all stages from fibre production to fabric exports.
  • India focuses on cotton and jute, maintaining a strong presence in these sectors.
  • Viet Nam and Türkiye specialize in yarn and fabric production, relying on imported raw materials.
  • Italy excels in high-value fabric exports, emphasizing design and quality.

• Future Outlook:

  • The continued growth of synthetic fibres, evolving trade policies, and sustainability concerns will shape the future of the global textile industry.
  • Developing countries must adopt productive development policies and strategic positioning to compete in the global supply chain.
  • Sustainability offers new opportunities, such as eco-friendly alternatives and recycled innovations.
  • Regional trade agreements and supply chain resilience will be key to enhancing competitive advantages.

Key Information

• Data Sources:

  • UNCTAD secretariat calculations based on UN COMTRADE and Textile Exchange (2024).
  • FAOSTAT and OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook for production data.
  • Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) for price and employment trends.

• Abbreviations and Acronyms:

  • ATC: Agreement on Textiles and Clothing
  • HS: Harmonized System
  • NTMs: Non-tariff measures
  • UNCTAD: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

• Important Notes:

  • The report does not include unit price analysis due to its limited relevance to transaction-level and specialized market trends.
  • The data for China excludes Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
  • The term "dollar" refers to the US dollar unless otherwise stated.
  • "Billion" denotes 1,000 million, and "tons" refers to metric tons.
  • Exports are reported at FOB, and imports at CIF unless specified otherwise.

Conclusion

The global textile industry has seen a major shift from natural to man-made fibres, driven by technological advancements, economic growth, and changing consumer preferences. Trade in man-made fibres has surpassed that of cotton in value, while trade in yarn and fabrics remains dominated by synthetic materials. The report underscores the importance of trade policy reforms, sustainable practices, and regional integration in ensuring a more equitable and resilient future for the industry.