The Middle East’s demand for textile preparation, weaving, and knitting machinery is set to maintain a steady upward trend over the next decade, despite recent market fluctuations. According to projections, the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2% in volume, reaching 1.9 million units by 2035. In value terms, the market is expected to rise at a faster CAGR of 4.1%, hitting an estimated US $11.3 billion by the end of the forecast period.
In 2024, the region’s consumption of textile machinery slightly increased to 1.7 million units, marking the third consecutive year of growth. However, the market value declined by 8.7% year-on-year to $7.3 billion, reflecting pricing pressures and shifts in regional demand.
Yemen (259,000 units), Saudi Arabia (358,000 units), and Iraq (426,000 units) led the region in consumption, together accounting for 63% of the total market volume in 2024.
When it comes to imports, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey dominated, supplying 14,000 and 12,000 units respectively—representing 40% and 34% of all imported machinery. Iran followed with 4,500 units (13%), while other active importers included Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
Turkey also emerged as the region’s top exporter of textile machinery in 2024, shipping 10,000 units (60% of total exports). The UAE followed with 6,200 units, accounting for 36% of total exports.
As the Middle East seeks to expand and modernize its textile manufacturing capabilities, these figures highlight growing opportunities for global machinery suppliers and technology innovators targeting the region’s dynamic textile sector.
