Rising demand is expected to drive the cotton sewing thread market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to grow at a CAGR of 1.7 per cent and a value of $163 million by 2035.
In 2024, consumption of cotton sewing thread in the MENA region declined by 6.9 per cent approximately 12,000 tons, yet overall consumption has remained relatively flat. The consumption volume peaked at 16,000 tons in 2018 before settling at a lower figure from 2019 to 2024. The market value contracted by 26.7 per cent to $135 million in 2024 from the previous year. While overall consumption value had shown buoyant expansion historically, it peaked at $275 million in 2021 before declining to lower figures from 2022 to 2024.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Israel emerged as the leading consumers of cotton sewing thread in in 2024, collectively accounting for 73 per cent of the total volume. Saudi Arabia exhibited the most significant growth among major consumers from 2013 to 2024, with a CAGR of +9.9 per cent. In terms of value, Turkey led with $79 million, followed by Saudi Arabia, and the Syrian Arab Republic.
Production of cotton sewing thread declined by 7.1 per cent to 12,000 tons in 2024 in the MENA region, maintaining a relatively flat trend overall. However, in value terms, production decreased to $131 million in 2024. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Israel emerged as the top producers in 2024, representing 80 per cent of total production. Saudi Arabia also recorded the largest production growth rate, with a CAGR of +12.6 per cent from 2013 to 2024.
Imports of cotton sewing thread declined by 10.2 per cent to 1.5000 tons in 2024, marking a deep setback. In value terms, imports decreased to $12 milllion in 2024 from $31 million in 2013. Tunisia, Iran, and Algeria emerged as the largest importers in 2024.
Exports of cotton sewing thread from MENA decreased by 15.9 per cent to 669 tons in 2024. In value terms, exports significantly reduced to $5.1 million in 2024. Turkey was the primary exporter, accounting for 58 per cent of total exports, followed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Morocco demonstrated the fastest export growth with a CAGR of +12.9 per cent from 2013 to 2024.
