From producing and distributing textiles – yarns and fabrics – to designing and selling clothing and household goods, the textile industry is a vital part of the world economy.
The industry is also extremely diversified with the fashion, home decor, and industrial sectors being highly dependent on it. At the same time, the textiles sector is the third largest employer in the world after food and housing with almost 13 million full-time workers worldwide being employed to produce the amount of clothing consumed in the European Union alone in 2020. Furthermore, by perpetuating the use of distinctive textiles and patterns, as well as traditional craftsmanship, the industry also serves to preserve indigenous cultures and legacy.
Which countries are the largest textile-exporters and what environmental costs does the growth in “fast fashion” bring?
Textile market statistics
- The global textile market is worth nearly US$640 billion, according to the 2024 report published by The Business Research Company.
- Research and Markets forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%, and a rise in value from $640 billion in 2024 up to $696 billion in 2025.
- By 2029, the market is expected to register a CAGR of 7% and hit almost $916 billion, based on the same data.
Source: Research and Markets
The world’s five biggest textiles exporters
The growth of the textile market can be explained by several factors, including:
- A growing population and the subsequent increase in the demand for textiles.
- Governments’ support in countries with developed textile industries.
- Restrictions on plastic use, which stimulate innovations in the industry.
Today, the Asia-Pacific region is the leading textile market in the world.
Which countries export the most textiles?
To answer this question, we used data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) using its analytical tool to understand the dynamics of economic development. The dataset offers details on the total export value per nation. The table below provides insights into the top five countries boasting the largest volumes of exported textiles.
Fig.1. Top exporters of textiles (2022)
Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these five nations.
1. China
Value of textile exports: $213 billion
China surpassed every other country on the list by a mile in terms of textile export value, hitting US$213 billion representing over 32.3% of all global textile exports.
Today, nearly 8 million people in China are involved in the textile industry, 60% of whom are women.
Local marketplaces supply the majority of the raw materials, and a large part of the products are manufactured for the domestic market.
Environmental concerns connected to the textile industry in China
Approximately 26 million tons of clothing are discarded annually, which end up in landfills. Moreover, synthetics, which make up 70% of domestic apparel sales in China, are made from petrochemicals that are linked to air and water pollution.
However, the country has initiated a number of programs that aim to establish a waste textile recycling system by 2025 with the goal of generating 2 million metric tons of recycled fiber annually and recycling 25% of its textile waste.
Fig.2. China key garment/Textile export markets
Source: Asia Garment Hub
2. Bangladesh
Value of textile exports: $57.7 billion
The textile industry plays a crucial role in the economy of Bangladesh with around 4.5 million people, mostly women, employed in the industry.
However, numerous local factories fail to meet the International Labour Organization’s International Labour Standards.
Environmental concerns connected to the textile industry in Bangladesh
Since the industry is experiencing constant growth, its impact on the environment is increasing. Activities such as dyeing and printing require heavy water and energy consumption levels and involve high concentrations of chemicals.
However, Bangladesh is taking steps to adapt its governance framework to the fast-growing textile industry, focusing on staff training, better regulations, the use of the best available techniques, and continuing stakeholder dialogue on sustainability.
Fig.3. Bangladesh key garment/Textile export markets
Source: Asia Garment Hub
3. Vietnam
Value of textile exports: $48.8 billion
The textile industry provides locals with secure jobs and decent pay, which in turn attracts new employees and expands industry output thus stimulating growth. Currently, it is one of the factors that is contributing to a decrease in poverty and a rise in the socio-economic development of the nation.
Today, there are about 800 factories operating in Vietnam that work for direct export to various retailers. Around 70% of the workforce are young women, and most are internal migrants from rural regions of the country.
Environmental concerns connected to the textile industry in Vietnam
Large volumes of water and energy are used in resource-intensive industrial processes, which also lead to a great deal of waste and high greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, 10% of the factories are making the green shift with 50% having taken the first steps, and around 40% thinking about it.
Fig.4. Vietnam key garment/Textile export markets
Source: Asia Garment Hub
4. Turkey
Value of textile exports: $38.6 billion
Turkey is among the major global leaders in textiles – ranking 4th worldwide. Textiles are the country’s second-largest export category, with Germany, Spain, the U.S., the UK, and the Netherlands being the major exporting destinations for Turkish textiles and apparel.
Turkey’s textile industry, which has its origins in the Ottoman Empire, is still robust in terms of both production and sales with Russia, Poland, and Saudi Arabia being the export markets showing the fastest growth.
Over 284,000 workers demonstrate the industry’s endurance and its significance to the Turkish economy and international trade.
Environmental concerns connected to the textile industry in Turkey
The Turkish textile industry faces numerous environmental issues, including excessive use of water, water pollution, energy consumption, waste management, and a rather slow adoption of carbon reduction strategies.
But, according to the Journal of Economic, Business, and Finance Research report of 2024, the country is taking steps towards solving the problem, including advances in recycling and organic material use. However, the industry, and mainly small and medium-sized enterprises, will have to increase the pace in adopting eco-friendly technologies and improving resource efficiency.
Fig.5. Turkey key garment/Textile export markets
Source: OEC
5. India
Value of textile exports: $37.5 billion
The textile industry plays an important role in the economy of India and enjoys a huge raw material base, together with strong capabilities in all stages of textile production, from raw material processing to finished products.
More than 45 million people are part of the Indian textile industry, with over a hundred million also being involved in it indirectly.
Environmental concerns connected to the textile industry in India
The nation’s textile industry causes serious problems to the environment due to heavy pollution along with toxic materials that penetrate the soil. However, to solve the issue, India is adopting energy-efficient technology, recycling programs, and biodegradable materials.
Fig.6. India key Garment/Textile export markets
Source: Asia Garment Hub
Final thoughts
The textile industry will continue to register growth over the next decade, with a number of factors directly contributing to this, including growing demand for clothing and technical improvements.
The Asia-Pacific region is by far the largest textile-producing and exporting region, where the textile industry serves as a vital element of the local economy of many nations.
