These days, the global textile industry is worth billions of dollars. According to a research report from Grand View Research, the global textile industry was worth $996 billion in 2021 and it grew to $1 trillion last year.
From then until 2030, the sector is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% to sit at $1.4 trillion by the end of the forecast period. Within the market itself, cotton continued to be the dominating segment – a role that it has held for centuries. According to the research firm, cotton accounted for 39% of the global market in 2021 with China, India, and the U.S. leading the market in terms of output. In terms of products, the natural fiber segment is the largest, as it held 44.5% of the market share, with nylon expected to be the fastest-growing segment. Finally, geographically speaking, Asia Pacific still holds the largest portion of the textile industry as it had a 48% share of the total revenue in 2021.
The 15 largest textile-producing countries based on raw material consumption are listed below:
People’s Republic of China
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 19,350
The People’s Republic of China is the world’s second largest economy in nominal terms and the largest in purchasing power parity. It also has the highest number of looms in the world, out of which the largest proportion are shuttle less looms. China is also the world’s largest garments exporter, with $4.8 billion in exports in 2021.
Republic of India
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 6,398
India is the world’s fifth largest economy with a $3.5 trillion GDP. India hugely benefits from its large population as it provides foreign and domestic companies with a large market to sell their products. Like Pakistan, India also has a vibrant textile industry and it is one of the largest sectors of the Indian economy. India also ranks as one of the world’s largest producers of cotton.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 3,145
Pakistan is a South Asian country. It has a $376 billion GDP and a GDP per capita of $1,658. Pakistan is part of the Indian Subcontinent, and as a result, has a historic textile industry as well. The textile industry is the backbone of the Pakistani economy and accounts for the largest share of its exports. Additionally, Pakistan is also the origin point of the textile industry in India. However, the country is yet to modernize its industry, with almost all of its spinning machines being the older shuttle looms. The textile industry also faces several constraints in the industry, the biggest of which is unreliable electricity.
United States of America
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 2,110
The United States of America is the world’s largest economy and one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. America has a vibrant technology industry and a historic textile sector that developed soon after it gained independence from the British Empire. The U.S. also has thousands of advanced shuttle less looms, and it is also one of the largest textile exporters in the world, with $265 million in garments exports in 2021.
Republic of Indonesia
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 1,841
The Republic of Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country that is made up of thousands of islands. It has a $1.3 trillion economy but a relatively low GDP per capita of $5,006. Indonesia has a vibrant textile industry that sees it exports a variety of garments such as knitted sweaters, non knitted shirts, and suits. Indonesia also has several traditional textiles that are unique to the country such as Batik, Ulos, Songket, and Tenun Ikat.
Republic of Türkiye
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 1,690
Republic of Türkiye or Turkey is an Asian and European country. It is one of the largest cotton producers in the world.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 1,427
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a textile powerhouse. It is one of the world’s largest textile exporting countries and has used the sector to transform itself from one of the world’s poorest to one of the most developed in its region.
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 1,079
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country. It has a $408 billion economy and exports large amounts of footwear, sweaters, and other textile products.
Federative Republic of Brazil
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 1,039
The Federative Republic of Brazil, or Brazil, is the largest country and the largest economy in South America. It has a $2 trillion economy with a $9,571 GDP per capita. Brazil has tens of thousands of spinning machines, with a higher proportion of advanced shuttleless looms.
Kingdom of Thailand
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 836
The Kingdom of Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It has a $534 billion GDP and relies on manufacturing equipment and other products for its exports.
United Mexican States
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 635
The United Mexican States, commonly known as Mexico, is a large North American country. It has a $1.4 trillion economy and a large land border with the U.S. – which is also one of its largest trading partners.
Islamic Republic of Iran
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 409
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a Western Asian country with vast petroleum resources. It has a $1.9 trillion economy funded primarily by its petroleum exports.
Republic of China
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 371
The Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan, is a disputed territory in the South China Sea. The majority of yarn in the country is used for domestic textile production.
Republic of Korea
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 367
The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea, is an advanced and developed East Asian country. Its $1.8 trillion economy is one of the largest in the world.
Republic of Uzbekistan
Raw Materials Consumption In Metric Kilotons: 353
The Republic of Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It has a $56 billion GDP and one of the lowest per capita income in the world at $900.
Global textile and clothing scenario
