May 2025 – The UK technical textiles market is poised for steady long-term growth, driven by increasing demand across industrial and specialized sectors. According to market forecasts, consumption will continue to rise gradually over the next decade, with the market expected to reach 17,000 tonnes by 2035—growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +1.3% from 2024.
In value terms, the UK market is projected to grow at a CAGR of +1.8%, reaching approximately $277 million (nominal wholesale prices) by 2035.
Strong Performance in 2024
In 2024, the UK saw a 14% increase in technical textile consumption, climbing to 15,000 tonnes. Market value also surged to $229 million, up 6.6% from 2023, reflecting robust industry momentum.
Production volumes remained steady at 8,500 tonnes, but the value of UK-made technical textiles rose sharply, hitting $222 million in export prices—a sign of increasing product value and international competitiveness.
Imports Climb, Despite Slight Dip in Value
The UK imported 8,900 tonnes of technical textiles in 2024—a 20% increase year-over-year. However, the import value dipped slightly to $157 million, suggesting lower per-unit pricing or shifts in sourcing strategies.
Key import sources included:
- Germany: 2,100 tonnes (27% share, $43M)
- China: 2,000 tonnes (7.2% share, $11M)
- Belgium: 1,100 tonnes (7% share)
The United States, Czech Republic, France, Italy, India, and the Netherlands collectively contributed 28% of UK imports, highlighting a broad and diverse supply chain.
Looking Ahead
As the UK strengthens its domestic capabilities and broadens sourcing, the growth in technical textiles is expected to influence both local production and import patterns. These trends are set to reinforce the UK’s position in the global technical textiles landscape, with increasing demand across sectors like construction, filtration, automotive, and medical applications.