Thread market seen reaching $23.18B by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global thread market will grow from $19.15 billion in 2026 to $23.18 billion by 2030, driven by demand from apparel, automotive and medical textiles. Asia-Pacific held the largest share in 2025 and is expected to remain the fastest-growing region.

Why it matters: - The thread market is tied directly to textile, apparel, automotive and medical manufacturing. - Growth in thread demand signals broader expansion in garment production, industrial sewing and export-oriented textile supply chains. - Higher use of durable, lightweight and specialty threads could reshape product mix across the industry.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Thread Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035 on Oct. 7, 2026. - The report estimates the global thread market will rise from $18.3 billion in 2025 to $19.15 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $23.18 billion by 2030. - The report projects a 4.7% CAGR for 2026 and a 4.9% CAGR from 2026 to 2030. - Asia-Pacific held the largest share of the thread market in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region through the forecast period.

The details: - The report links historical growth to labor-intensive textile production, continued use of traditional cotton, low adoption of synthetic threads, manual sewing practices and the rise of regional textile hubs. - The forecast is driven by rising demand for high-performance industrial threads. - The report points to expanding use in automotive and medical textiles. - The market is also benefiting from demand for lighter but more durable materials. - Global apparel consumption is increasing, adding to thread demand. - Export-driven textile supply chains are expanding. - The report flags growing demand for industrial sewing threads in garment production. - It also highlights higher use of antimicrobial and medical-grade threads in healthcare. - Premium decorative embroidery threads are gaining popularity in fashion. - Automotive upholstery and airbag stitching are becoming larger end markets. - Blended fiber threads are being adopted to improve durability and flexibility. - The Business Research Company defines thread as a fine, continuous strand made from natural or synthetic fibers for stitching, weaving and textile structure formation. - Thread is used to join fabric components, reinforce structure, add decorative detail and extend the life and performance of textile products. - The report says the expanding textiles and apparel sector is a major growth driver. - The report says consumers are increasingly seeking durable, innovative, high-quality, comfortable and sustainable fabrics. - The International Trade Administration reported in June 2024 that textile and apparel imports reached 30,095.1 million square meter equivalents for the year-to-date period ending April 2024, up 9.5% from the same period in 2023. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - New 2026 report features include market attractiveness scoring, total addressable market analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technologies and future trends, and updated graphics and tables. - The company provided sample and full-report links: Download a free sample and View the full report.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests thread demand is becoming more specialized, with growth shifting toward industrial, medical and performance applications rather than basic sewing alone. - Asia-Pacific’s lead fits the region’s role as a global textile manufacturing base and export hub. - The report’s emphasis on specialty and blended fibers points to competition on performance, not just price.

What's next: - The market is expected to keep expanding through 2030 as apparel production and technical textile use increase. - Thread makers will likely focus more on medical, automotive and premium fashion applications. - Adoption of blended, antimicrobial and industrial-grade threads may continue to rise as end markets demand more durable materials.