Staple fibre sewing thread trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in staple fibre sewing thread was worth $601.8 million in 2024, about 130.9 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 10% since 2017, and up 1% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $601.8M | 130.9K t |
| 2023 | $598.0M | 122.7K t |
| 2022 | $743.0M | 145.9K t |
| 2021 | $702.7M | 138.5K t |
| 2020 | $590.9M | 121.5K t |
| 2019 | $685.7M | 129.5K t |
| 2018 | $699.6M | 122.5K t |
| 2017 | $669.6M | 122.1K t |
Top staple fibre sewing thread exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 61% of world exports, followed by Egypt and Turkey. The top three supply 70% between them, out of 128 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $368.2M | 61% |
| Egypt | $29.5M | 4.9% |
| Turkey | $21.2M | 3.5% |
| Hong Kong | $19.6M | 3.3% |
| United States | $14.6M | 2.4% |
| Germany | $14.4M | 2.4% |
| Vietnam | $12.9M | 2.1% |
| Indonesia | $10.5M | 1.8% |
| South Korea | $9.8M | 1.6% |
| Honduras | $7.8M | 1.3% |
| France | $7.2M | 1.2% |
| India | $6.0M | 1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Vietnam (7%), Cambodia (7%) and Turkey (5%). 192 countries imported it, and the top three take 19% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $43.8M | 7.3% |
| Cambodia | $39.9M | 6.6% |
| Turkey | $32.5M | 5.4% |
| Russia | $30.5M | 5.1% |
| Bangladesh | $24.3M | 4% |
| Indonesia | $19.4M | 3.2% |
| Hong Kong | $18.2M | 3% |
| Germany | $16.5M | 2.7% |
| Iran | $15.1M | 2.5% |
| Ghana | $13.9M | 2.3% |
| Mexico | $13.4M | 2.2% |
| Morocco | $12.8M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $4.60 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $26.88 per kg and Indonesia $3.52 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 5508: Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. HS 5508 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most staple fibre sewing thread?
China exported $368.2 million in 2024, 61% of the world total, followed by Egypt (5%) and Turkey (4%). In all, 128 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most staple fibre sewing thread?
Vietnam imported $43.8 million in 2024, 7% of world imports, ahead of Cambodia (7%) and Turkey (5%). The top three importers together take 19%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in staple fibre sewing thread?
It was worth $601.8 million in 2024, about 130.9 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 10% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $743.0 million. 128 countries reported exports and 192 reported imports.
What is the average price of staple fibre sewing thread per kg?
The world average declared value was about $4.60 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $26.88 per kg and Indonesia $3.52 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for staple fibre sewing thread?
The HS code for staple fibre sewing thread is heading 5508, in chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 5508 page.
How can I find staple fibre sewing thread buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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