The textile industry is one of the oldest and most essential sectors of the global economy, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. It involves a wide range of materials, including natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. The textile industry remains a vital component of the global economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to international trade and commerce.
According to various sources, the top 10 countries leading the global textile industry in terms of production and export are:
1. China
China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of textiles and apparel. It accounts for a significant portion of global textile production and export trade. In 2021, the industry’s value was approximately $286 billion. Chinese textile products are exported to countries around the world, including the United States, European Union, and emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Some of the major companies in the Chinese textile industry includes Shandong Ruyi Technology Group, Huafang, Jiangsu Hengli Group, Weiqiao Textile Company Limited, Jiangsu Sunshine, Shenghong Group, Texhong Textile Group Limited, Zhejiang Jiaxin Silk Corp, Hodo Group, Shenzhou International Group Holdings Limited.
2. India
India is one of the leading textile exporting countries globally, with textiles and apparel being major export items. The country exports a wide range of textile products to various destinations worldwide, including the United States, European Union, and Middle East. In recent years, the industry’s value has been estimated to be around $150 billion.
Some of the major companies in the Indian textile industry include: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, Arvind Limited, Welspun India Limited, Raymond Group, Vardhman Textiles Limited, Grasim Industries Limited, Trident Limited, Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Company Limited, Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Limited.
3. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is known for its ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which accounts for the majority of its textile exports. The country exports a wide range of textile products, including apparel, fabrics, home textiles, and jute products, to various destinations worldwide. Some of the major export destinations for Bangladeshi textile products include: United States. European Union countries (such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy), Canada, Japan, Australia. In recent years, the industry’s value has been estimated to be around $40-45 billion.
Some of the major companies in the Bangladesh textile industry include: Beximco Group, Square Textiles Ltd, Pacific Jeans Limited, Ananta Group, Noman Group, DBL Group, Envoy Textiles Limited, AKH Group, Ha-Meem Group, Esquire Knit Composite Limited.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is a major exporter of textile and garment products, with its exports reaching billions of dollars annually. Some of the major export destinations for Vietnamese textile products include: United States, European Union countries (such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy), Japan, South Korea, China, Australia. In recent years, the industry’s value has been estimated to be around $40-45 billion.
Some of the major companies in the Vietnam textile industry include: Vinatex, TAL Group, Viet Tien Garment Corporation, Phong Phu Corporation, Saitex.
5. Germany
Germany produces and exports a diverse array of textile products, it also imports certain raw materials, machinery, and finished goods to support its manufacturing activities. In terms of market size, Germany’s textile industry boasts substantial revenues, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. The total market value of the German textile industry reaches billions of euros annually.
Some of the major companies in Germany’s textile industry include: Hugo Boss AG, Adidas AG, Schaeffler AG, BASF SE, Carl Zeiss AG.
6. Turkey
The textile industry in Turkey is a vital sector of the country’s economy, known for its long-standing tradition of textile production and its significant contribution to both domestic and international markets. Turkish textiles are exported to numerous countries around the world, including European Union countries, the United States, and the Middle East.
Some of the major companies in Turkey’s textile industry include: Sanko Textile, Mavi Jeans, Kipaş Holding, Kordsa, H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB.
7. Italy
Italy is a global fashion capital, with cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome serving as hubs for fashion design and textile innovation. Italy is a significant exporter of textiles and apparel, with its products being sought after by discerning customers worldwide. Italian textiles are exported to numerous countries, particularly in Europe, the United States, and Asia, where they are valued for their quality, design, and craftsmanship.
Some of the major companies in the Italian textile industry include: Ermenegildo, Zegna, Prada Group, Gucci, Armani, Loro Piana, Marzotto Group, Canclini Tessile,
Lanificio Cerruti.
8. United States
The United States engages in both imports and exports within the textile industry. While the country has a strong manufacturing base, it also imports certain raw materials, machinery, and finished goods to support its textile production. The United States exports textile products to numerous countries worldwide, with key export destinations including countries in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Some of the major companies in the US textile industry include: Milliken & Company, DuPont, Berkshire Hathaway (owner of Fruit of the Loom), Hanesbrands Inc,
VF Corporation, Levi Strauss & Co, Patagonia, Under Armour.
9. Indonesia
Indonesia has a large and growing domestic market, as well as a diversified and integrated textile sector. Indonesia also has a favorable geographic location and natural resources such as cotton and rayon. Indonesia is the ninth-largest textile exporter, with a value of over $14 billion in 2021. Indonesia’s textile exports are sent to numerous countries worldwide, with key export destinations including countries in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Some of the major companies in the Indonesian textile industry include: Indorama Corporation, Sritex, Pan Brothers, Argo Manunggal Group, Pt Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex), Indo-Rama Synthetics (India) Limited.
10. Pakistan
The textile industry in Pakistan is a vital sector of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and exports. Pakistan has a strong base of cotton production and processing, as well as a skilled and cheap labor force. Textile exports contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings and trade balance. Pakistani textiles are exported to numerous countries worldwide, with key export destinations including the United States, European Union countries, and the Middle East.
Some of the major companies in the Pakistani textile industry include: Nishat Mills Limited, Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Limited, Sapphire Textile Mills Limited, Kohinoor Textile Mills Limited, Faisalabad Fabric Store
These rankings may vary over time due to changes in economic factors, government policies, and global market dynamics.
