The World's Top 10 Textile Producing Countries

style="text-align: left;"> The World's Top 10 Textile Producing Countries

The world's textile industry has long played an important role in the global economy, whether it's through production or consumption of textiles. That doesn't look like it'll change anytime soon, with the latest data showing that in 2017, the top 10 textile producing countries in the world were responsible for over $600 billion in textile production. In other words, some of the best places to find textiles are from these countries!

1) China

No surprise that China tops our list of textile producing countries. The country produces more than 100 billion pounds of textiles each year, which account for roughly a quarter of total global production. So much clothing is produced in China that it’s tough to pinpoint what exactly makes up its largest export, but if we had to guess, we’d say fabric and yarn. China also has one of biggest textile industries in terms of revenue and export value – approximately $315 billion per year.

2) India

India’s textile industry is a major part of its national economy, being one of its largest industries. It provides a lot of jobs for India and has been in existence for over 2000 years. Most people are aware that cotton is produced here. However, you may not know that India also produces silk, jute and wool products.

3) Indonesia

Indonesia produced 20 million tons of textiles in 2016, making it one of Asia’s biggest textile producers. As a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia’s economy is closely tied to that of its neighbors. Because China and India have outpaced much of Southeast Asia in manufacturing, Indonesia has also been focusing on becoming a center for distribution, call centers and e-commerce warehouses to serve its region.

4) Turkey

Turkey produced almost 5.9 million tons of textiles in 2010, a 12% increase from 2009. According to statistics released by Turkey’s Ministry of Economy, Turkey was one of only six countries to show positive growth in textile production between 2009 and 2010. China, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and Pakistan were also among those with positive growth over that time period.

5) Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a population of more than 160 million people and ranks 9th in textile production. The country is located in South Asia, between India and Myanmar. It enjoys a duty-free status under NAFTA with Canada and Mexico, which allows it to compete with other countries. One of its top exports is readymade garments. In 2016, Bangladesh exported $21 billion worth of clothing alone; $8 billion went to Europe and $3 billion went to North America.

6) Vietnam

The nation of Vietnam has a long history in textiles, beginning with its production of silk for export as early as 3000 BC. The textile industry is responsible for more than $1 billion USD in annual exports. China: Much like Vietnam, China has a long and storied history in textiles. It was also one of the first nations to produce cotton cloth commercially and export it across Asia. Today, China produces 17% of global textiles.

7) Pakistan

Pakistan is a global leader in cotton production, producing 17.5% of the world’s cotton in 2014. Cotton remains Pakistan’s largest cash crop and accounts for half of all agricultural exports. Pakistan also has a large textile industry, which supplies 100% of local demand and 20% of global demand.

8) Brazil

The world’s third-largest producer of cotton fiber, Brazil has grown rapidly in recent years. With a cotton yield per hectare that’s higher than that of any other country and natural conditions conducive to growing cotton, Brazil will likely be a top performer for years to come. In 2016, Brazilian mills produced 12 million bales of cotton at an average 1,910 pounds per bale. The U.S. is currently Brazil’s leading supplier for raw materials such as seed cotton and chemicals.

9) Japan

Japan has been one of the top ten textile producing countries for decades, and for good reason. Over 60% of all textile products produced in Japan are clothing or apparel. With a population under 120 million people, it’s likely that every man, woman and child in Japan owns an average of 4 items of clothing from one or more major brands found throughout Japan.

10) Uzbekistan

Known for its intricately embroidered and richly colored hand-made carpets, Uzbekistan is one of three countries in Central Asia (the others being Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) that has grown to prominence as a textile producer. In addition to elaborate rugs, Uzbekistan also manufactures a wide range of industrial textiles, including special blends for heavy-duty industrial uses such as mining and logging. The country exported roughly $2 billion worth of finished textiles in 2012.