Global imports of artificial staple fibers rose 1.94 per cent in 2018. Total imports moved up 4.01 per cent in 2018 over previous year and is expected to rise 2.93 per cent by 2021. Italy, Honduras, Czech Republic, China and Bulgaria are the key importers of artificial staple fibers across the globe and together comprise 54.62 per cent of total imports. They are followed by Belgium, Spain, South Africa and Portugal. From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports was attained by the Czech Republic, Italy and Bulgaria. Global exports of artificial staple fibers increased by 18.49 per cent in 2018.

Total exports increased 13.19 per cent in 2018 over previous year and are expected to grow at 8.85 per cent in 2021. China, Germany, Austria, France and Italy are the key exporters of artificial staple fibers across the globe and together comprise 80.18 per cent of total exports. These are followed by Spain, Turkey, the US and Japan.

The global trade value of artificial staple fibers has shown a sharp growth in recent years. Total trade moved up by 8.85 per cent in 2018 over the previous year.