Artificial filament sewing thread imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported artificial filament sewing thread worth $3.0 million (108 tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 175 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $4.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.0M | 108 t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 106 t |
| 2022 | $3.4M | 172 t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 190 t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 155 t |
| 2019 | $4.1M | 198 t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 238 t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 283 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports artificial filament sewing thread from
One supplier dominates: Germany accounted for 81% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.4M | 81% |
| China | $350K | 12% |
| South Korea | $81K | 2.7% |
| Italy | $38K | 1.3% |
| Pakistan | $15K | 0.5% |
| Spain | $13K | 0.4% |
| Romania | $12K | 0.4% |
| United States | $11K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $9K | 0.3% |
| Japan | $8K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $27.85 per kg, 448% above the world average of $5.08. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Artificial filament sewing thread exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of artificial filament sewing thread by the United Kingdom reached $473 thousand in 2024 (65 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (30%), Czech Republic (22%), Indonesia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $140K | 30% |
| Czech Republic | $104K | 22% |
| Indonesia | $53K | 11% |
| Ireland | $31K | 6.7% |
| Netherlands | $31K | 6.5% |
| France | $24K | 5% |
| Sri Lanka | $20K | 4.3% |
| Kenya | $20K | 4.2% |
| United States | $9K | 1.9% |
| India | $8K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom artificial filament sewing thread imports (HS 5401.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 5401.20: Sewing thread: of artificial filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of artificial filament sewing thread imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported artificial filament sewing thread worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 108 tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 175 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply artificial filament sewing thread to the United Kingdom?
Germany was the largest supplier with 81% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by China (12%) and South Korea (3%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 643% on the year.
What is the average import price of artificial filament sewing thread per kg?
The average declared import value was about $27.85 per kg in 2024, 448% above the world average of $5.08 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of artificial filament sewing thread to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2018 at $4.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.7 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export artificial filament sewing thread?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $473 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic and Indonesia. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for artificial filament sewing thread?
The HS code for artificial filament sewing thread is subheading 5401.20. It sits in HS chapter 54 (man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5401 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World artificial filament sewing thread trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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