Glass Fibre Fabrics Market

The global glass fibre fabrics market is projected to see growth in both volume and value over the next eight years, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.5% and +3.2% respectively. China leads the world in both consumption and production, while the United States and Japan boast high market values. Import and export trends show fluctuations, with key products driving growth in the market. Overall, the market is expected to continue its steady growth pattern in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for glass fibre fabrics worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 3.4M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $25.6B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Glass Fibre Fabrics

In 2022, the amount of glass fibre fabrics consumed worldwide expanded rapidly to 3M tons, increasing by 7.1% against the year before. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

The global glass fibre fabrics market revenue amounted to $19.9B in 2022, increasing by 5.7% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, the total consumption indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -1.4% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $20.2B. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the global market remained at a lower figure.

Consumption By Country

China (943K tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of glass fibre fabrics consumption, comprising approx. 31% of total volume. Moreover, glass fibre fabrics consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the United States (328K tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by India (291K tons), with a 9.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China totaled +6.6%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: the United States (+1.6% per year) and India (+4.1% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($6B), Japan ($5.2B) and China ($2.3B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together comprising 68% of the global market.

Among the main consuming countries, Japan, with a CAGR of +7.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2022, the highest levels of glass fibre fabrics per capita consumption was registered in the UK (3,217 kg per 1000 persons), followed by Japan (1,168 kg per 1000 persons), Turkey (984 kg per 1000 persons) and the United States (979 kg per 1000 persons), while the world average per capita consumption of glass fibre fabrics was estimated at 5.1 kg per 1000 persons.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the glass fibre fabrics per capita consumption in the UK stood at -3.9%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Japan (+4.7% per year) and Turkey (+3.3% per year).

Production

World Production of Glass Fibre Fabrics

For the eighth consecutive year, the global market recorded growth in production of glass fibre fabrics, which increased by 0.6% to 2.9M tons in 2022. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 13% against the previous year. Global production peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, glass fibre fabrics production reached $19.9B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -2.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 20%. Global production peaked at $20.5B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of glass fibre fabrics production was China (926K tons), comprising approx. 32% of total volume. Moreover, glass fibre fabrics production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (318K tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by India (293K tons), with a 10% share.

In China, glass fibre fabrics production expanded at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (+1.4% per year) and India (+4.5% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Glass Fibre Fabrics

In 2022, global glass fibre fabrics imports dropped remarkably to 533K tons, which is down by -15.8% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 12% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of 633K tons, and then declined rapidly in the following year.

In value terms, glass fibre fabrics imports declined to $2.5B in 2022. Overall, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 21%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $2.9B, and then contracted in the following year.

Imports By Country

Germany (53K tons) and Turkey (47K tons) represented roughly 19% of total imports in 2022. Italy (29K tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 5.5% share, followed by Poland (5.5%) and Mexico (5.2%). The following importers - China (23K tons), Japan (21K tons), Spain (20K tons), France (19K tons), South Korea (16K tons), the United States (14K tons), Romania (13K tons) and Hungary (13K tons) - together made up 26% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Mexico (with a CAGR of +8.6%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest glass fibre fabrics importing markets worldwide were Germany ($255M), China ($199M) and South Korea ($161M), with a combined 25% share of global imports. Japan, the United States, Mexico, France, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Hungary and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 38%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Spain, with a CAGR of +5.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5 was the key imported product with an import of about 300K tons, which resulted at 56% of total imports. Glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings (118K tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 22% share, followed by glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex (18%). Glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width not exceeding 30cm (24K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5 was also the fastest-growing in terms of imports, with a CAGR of +2.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width not exceeding 30cm (+2.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex (-4.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5 (+12 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings (-2.4 p.p.) and glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex (-10.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5 ($1.3B), glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex ($748M) and glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings ($301M) constituted the products with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 94% share of global imports.

Among the main imported products, glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5, with a CAGR of +1.1%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices By Type

The average glass fibre fabrics import price stood at $4,665 per ton in 2022, surging by 2.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 8.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $4,932 per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex ($7,848 per ton), while the price for glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings ($2,545 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex (+4.2%), while the other products experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

The average glass fibre fabrics import price stood at $4,665 per ton in 2022, with an increase of 2.2% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 8.3%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $4,932 per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($10,374 per ton), while Turkey ($2,193 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+5.6%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Glass Fibre Fabrics

In 2022, the amount of glass fibre fabrics exported worldwide declined rapidly to 395K tons, with a decrease of -41.8% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, exports saw a slight slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by 24%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 678K tons, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, glass fibre fabrics exports contracted sharply to $2.3B in 2022. In general, exports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 26% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $3.1B, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

Exports By Country

In 2022, the Czech Republic (74K tons), distantly followed by Belarus (25K tons), Germany (24K tons), Belgium (23K tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (20K tons) and Latvia (19K tons) represented the major exporters of glass fibre fabrics, together making up 47% of total exports. The following exporters - Hong Kong SAR (17K tons), Hungary (15K tons), Serbia (14K tons), Turkey (14K tons), India (12K tons), Italy (10K tons) and Morocco (9.7K tons) - together made up 23% of total exports.

Exports from the Czech Republic increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Morocco (+241.5%), Serbia (+39.1%), India (+20.1%), Turkey (+10.1%), Hungary (+4.8%), Latvia (+3.9%), Hong Kong SAR (+2.9%) and Belarus (+1.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Morocco emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +241.5% from 2012-2022. Germany, Italy and Belgium experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Taiwan (Chinese) (-2.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the Czech Republic (+9.4 p.p.), Serbia (+3.5 p.p.), India (+2.7 p.p.), Morocco (+2.5 p.p.), Turkey (+2.4 p.p.), Latvia (+2 p.p.), Hungary (+1.8 p.p.), Hong Kong SAR (+1.5 p.p.) and Belarus (+1.5 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest glass fibre fabrics supplying countries worldwide were the Czech Republic ($245M), Germany ($226M) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($144M), with a combined 26% share of global exports. Hong Kong SAR, Belgium, Italy, Latvia, Belarus, Turkey, Hungary, Serbia, India and Morocco lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 27%.

Among the main exporting countries, Morocco, with a CAGR of +169.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

Glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5 represented the key type of glass fibre fabrics in the world, with the volume of exports reaching 227K tons, which was near 51% of total exports in 2022. Glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings (121K tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 27% share, followed by glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex (16%) and glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width not exceeding 30cm (5.2%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width not exceeding 30cm (with a CAGR of +4.8%), while shipments for the other products experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, the largest types of exported glass fibre fabrics were glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.s. in item no. 7019.5 ($1.3B), glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex ($716M) and glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings ($291M), together comprising 93% of global exports. Glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width not exceeding 30cm lagged somewhat behind, accounting for a further 6.8%.

Among the main exported products, glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width not exceeding 30cm, with a CAGR of +3.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

The average glass fibre fabrics export price stood at $5,918 per ton in 2022, growing by 27% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex ($9,789 per ton), while the average price for exports of glass fibres; woven fabrics of rovings ($2,400 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by glass fibres; woven fabrics (other than of rovings), of a width exceeding 30cm, plain weave, weighing less than 250g/m2, of filaments measuring per single yarn not more than 136 tex (+4.0%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average glass fibre fabrics export price amounted to $5,918 per ton, increasing by 27% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($9,271 per ton), while Morocco ($1,977 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Taiwan (Chinese) (+6.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform