Textile and Apparel Industries

Unraveling the Global Natural Fiber Exports: A Decade-Long Dive into Export Competitiveness Among Leading Exporters (2012-2022)  

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Abstract

Natural fibers are gaining prominence in the global textile industry due to their sustainability benefits. The study examines export competitiveness among the top ten natural fiber exporting countries using measures such as Market Share (MS), Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), and Normalized Revealed Comparative Advantage. Annual trade data for HS Codes 50 (Silk), 51 (Wool), 52 (Cotton), and 53 (Other Vegetable Fibers) from 2012-2022 revealed shifting dynamics in global markets. Results showed that Vietnam strengthened its comparative advantage over the years for HS50, and Mongolia for HS51. Pakistan, Turkiye, and Brazil had increasing advantages for HS52, and Belgium, Italy, and Sri Lanka had increasing advantages for HS53. Results underscore the evolving trade patterns, with countries adapting to socio-economic challenges and global sustainability trends. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the natural fiber sector.

 

 

Keywords: Natural Fibers, Export Competitiveness, MS, CAGR, RCA, NRCA

How to Cite:

Islam, F. & Das, D., (2025) “Unraveling the Global Natural Fiber Exports: A Decade-Long Dive into Export Competitiveness Among Leading Exporters (2012-2022)  ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18912