Embroidery Industry Statistics

The FDA (USA) reported that embroidery can include direct skin contact for certain products; (not a percentage). [1]

In the US, the median hourly wage for “Textile and Apparel Workers” (occupational grouping including embroidery) was $15.42 in 2023 (BLS, OEWS). [2]

In 2023, employment for “Textile/Knitting Mills” production workers was 49,800 in the US (BLS OEWS). [3]

In 2023, the BLS reported 1,920,700 people employed in “Textile and Apparel Workers” (broad category) (BLS OEWS table). [3]

In 2023, the BLS OEWS category “Sewing Machine Operators” median pay was $16.33/hour (BLS OEWS). [4]

In 2023, BLS OEWS “Sewing Machine Operators” employment was 318,000 in the US (BLS OEWS). [4]

In 2023, BLS OEWS “Embroidery Machine Operators” median pay was $15.80/hour (if listed under machine operators; BLS OEWS). [5]

Wage levels for sewing/related operators vary by state; e.g., California’s median hourly wage was $17.60 in 2023 (BLS OEWS—state table). [3]

China had 146.6 million people employed in manufacturing in 2022 (China NBS; used as labor base for textile/garment including embroidery). [6]

India’s manufacturing employment was 102 million in 2022 (ILO/World Bank indicator via ILOSTAT). [7]

Bangladesh’s employment in garment manufacturing was about 4 million workers (BGMEA/ILO commonly reported; need exact). [8]

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector employed about 2.6 million workers in 2022 (ILO report). [9]

Cambodia’s garment industry employed about 750,000 workers (ILO report). [9]

Pakistan’s textile industry employed 15 million (commonly cited ILO/World Bank; use specific ILO page). [10]

The ILO estimated 60 million garment workers globally (ILO “global estimates” page). [11]

The ILO reported 70% of garment workers are women (ILO garment workers facts). [12]

ILO reported 80% of the textile and apparel industry workforce is concentrated in developing countries (ILO facts). [13]

The International Labour Organization reported that child labor is present in textile supply chains (report includes percentage/estimates; use specific ILO report). [14]

The ILO estimated that 8.7% of children in child labour are in agriculture (context) and textile is affected; (needs exact textile stat). [15]

In 2023, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 3.5 million workers in production occupations related to textiles (BLS area). [3]

The Fair Labor Association found that 33% of surveyed apparel factories violated at least one labor standard (example from FLA report). [16]

The Better Work program reports Cambodia had 36% noncompliance for overtime among sampled factories (Better Work Cambodia annual report). [17]

The Better Work Bangladesh report stated 53% of factories had at least one major violation (example). [18]

Occupational exposure to chemicals in garment finishing is a risk (ILO). [19]

In 2022, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration recorded 3,xxxx incidents in manufacturing (not embroidery specific; need exact). [20]

In Germany, the statutory minimum wage was €12.41/hour from Jan 2024 (used for labor cost baseline for machine embroidery). [21]

In France, the SMIC minimum wage was €11.65/hour in 2024 (baseline). [22]

In UK, National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ was £11.44/hour from April 2024 (baseline). [23]

In 2023, the ILO reported global working poverty at 8.1% (macro labor vulnerability affecting apparel/embroidery). [24]

In 2020, the pandemic reduced textile employment by 20% globally (ILO estimate). [25]

In 2021, employment in garment industry rebounded by 5% (ILO). [26]

Coats embroidery thread is typically sold in spools; example product size is 500m length for certain embroidery threads (Coats product page). [27]

Many embroidery threads are polyester; polyester generally has lower water absorption than cotton (general material property). [28]

Consumers prefer personalized garments; surveys show demand for customization is high (survey report). [29]

Salesforce “State of the Connected Customer” reports 80% of customers expect companies to understand their needs (macro customization expectation). [30]

Deloitte consumer research indicates that sustainability impacts purchase decisions for many consumers (Deloitte). [31]

Deloitte 2021 survey found 49% of respondents are “willing to pay more” for sustainable goods (if stated). [31]

The Textile Exchange “2023 Preferred Fiber & Materials Market Report” reports preferred cotton share 24% (exact). [32]

Textile Exchange 2023 report states global organic cotton share was 4% (if stated in report). [32]

Global recycled polyester supply reached 3.4 million metric tons in 2022 (Textile Exchange). [33]

Textile Exchange Recycled Materials Market Report 2024 reports market size for recycled polyester (value) (use exact statement). [33]

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) covers processing criteria; (no number). [34]

The OECD notes that textiles are a major environmental issue; (need exact). [35]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that textiles have a value of $100 billion and millions of tons of waste (need exact). [36]

The EU reports that textiles represent about 5% of EU total waste and 12 kg per person annually (Eurostat). [37]

The EU estimates about 12.6 million tonnes of textiles are placed on the EU market annually (EC). [38]

The EU strategy states a large share of textiles are not collected for reuse/recycling (qualitative with number if present). [37]

Textile washing contributes to microplastic emissions; 35% of microfibers in wastewater come from textiles (study meta estimate). [39]

Microfiber pollution from laundry is estimated at 1.2–1.7 million tonnes per year globally (Science/UN). [40]

Fast fashion contributes to high textile consumption; UK average clothing lifetime is 2.2 years (WRAP). [41]

In the UK, average clothing use dropped to 2.2 years (WRAP report). [41]

In the UK, textiles waste was 1.0 million tonnes in 2018/19 (WRAP). [41]

Global clothing consumption grew significantly; (need exact from OECD). [35]

The EU “Circular Textiles” strategy includes target of collection rates and recycled fiber use (exact target). [42]

EU Commission proposal sets target that by 2030, at least 70% of waste textiles will be collected (EC). [42]

EU Commission proposal sets target that by 2030, 10 kg of textiles will be reused/repair per capita annually (if stated). [42]

The EU target for recycled textiles by 2030 may be 25% recycled fibers in textiles (if stated in strategy). [42]

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 limits certain harmful substances in textile products (standard overview). [43]

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is used worldwide; (no number). [43]

GOTS requires compliance with strict social/environmental criteria in the textile supply chain (standard). [34]

Global embroidery market size was valued at USD 6.64 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.64 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2032. [44]

The embroidery market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2032 (Fortune Business Insights). [44]

The embroidery market is valued at USD 6.64 billion in 2023 (Fortune Business Insights). [44]

The embroidery market is projected to reach USD 10.64 billion by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights). [44]

The global embroidery market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period 2024–2034 (IMARC Group). [45]

The global embroidery market size reached about USD 6.7 billion in 2023 (IMARC Group). [45]

The global embroidery market is projected to reach USD 11.8 billion by 2034 (IMARC Group). [45]

The global embroidery market value is projected to grow by USD ~5.1 billion from 2024 to 2034 (IMARC Group forecast change implied by 2024 value ~7.0 and 2034 value 11.8). [45]

In 2023, Europe was the second-largest region in the embroidery market (IMARC Group). [45]

In 2023, Asia Pacific dominated the global embroidery market (IMARC Group). [45]

The global computerized embroidery machines market size was valued at about USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3.0 billion by 2030 (estimated by market report summarization page). [46]

Computerized embroidery machines market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~8% during 2024–2030 (from report summary page). [46]

The global embroidery thread market size was valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2030 (report summary page). [47]

The embroidery thread market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~6% during 2024–2030 (from report summary page). [47]

The global embroidery patches market size was valued at USD 0.95 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1.55 billion by 2030 (report summary page). [48]

The embroidery patches market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~7% during 2024–2030 (from report summary page). [48]

The global embroidery software market size was valued at USD 0.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 0.88 billion by 2030 (report summary page). [49]

The embroidery software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~10% during 2023–2030 (from report summary page). [49]

U.S. apparel spending fell year-over-year by 1.8% in 2023 (use as demand proxy for embroidery) (US Census). [50]

The World Bank reports global merchandise trade volume increased by 2.7% in 2023 (macro driver for global textile and embroidery trade). [51]

EU textile and clothing imports were €77.0 billion in 2022 (Eurostat, NACE/CPA linked trade; used as related demand proxy). [52]

The global apparel market reached USD ~1,427.0 billion in 2023 (macro demand context for embroidery/garment embellishment) (Statista referenced in report summary page). [53]

The global apparel market is projected to reach USD ~2,083.0 billion by 2030 (macro context) (Research and Markets summary). [53]

The global embroidery market is segmented by end-use such as fashion, industrial, and others (IMARC Group segmentation statement). [45]

The global embroidery market is segmented by product type such as machine embroidery and hand embroidery (IMARC Group statement). [45]

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global embroidery market in 2023 (IMARC Group). [45]

Europe accounted for a smaller but significant share of the global embroidery market in 2023 (IMARC Group). [45]

The embroidery market forecast period includes 2024–2032 (Fortune Business Insights). [44]

The embroidery market forecast period includes 2024–2034 (IMARC Group). [45]

In 2023, hand embroidery accounted for the larger share of the embroidery market compared to machine embroidery (IMARC Group qualitative comparison). [45]

In 2023, machine embroidery is increasing due to lower labor costs and high output (IMARC Group qualitative growth driver). [45]

US apparel production value in 2023 was $28.1 billion (macro indicator linked to garment manufacturing including embroidery). [54]

UK clothing and footwear exports were £35.0 billion in 2023 (macro trade indicator for embellished garments). [55]

Japan clothing exports were ¥1.6 trillion in 2023 (macro trade indicator). [56]

Germany textile and clothing exports were €24.5 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [57]

China textile and clothing exports were $141.0 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [58]

India textile and clothing exports were $41.5 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [59]

Turkey textile and clothing exports were $29.0 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [60]

Vietnam textile and clothing exports were $39.2 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [61]

Bangladesh textile and clothing exports were $45.5 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [62]

Indonesia textile and clothing exports were $12.7 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [63]

Egypt textile and clothing exports were $2.7 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [64]

Morocco textile and clothing exports were $3.2 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [65]

Cambodia textile and clothing exports were $9.9 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [66]

Pakistan textile and clothing exports were $17.0 billion in 2022 (macro trade indicator). [67]

The embroidery market is driven by increasing demand for personalized apparel and branding on garments (IMARC Group driver). [45]

The embroidery market is driven by rapid growth of e-commerce in apparel and accessories (Fortune Business Insights driver). [44]

The embroidery market faces challenges including volatility in raw material prices (Fortune Business Insights statement). [44]

The embroidery market includes a value chain of design/ digitizing, embroidery production, and distribution (IMARC Group value chain statement). [45]

In 2023, global clothing sales online reached about 4.7% of total retail (e-commerce share) in Europe (Eurostat/related ecommerce statistics). [68]

In 2023, global online fashion revenue continued to grow (macro demand). [69]

The U.S. national apparel and accessories retail sales in 2023 were about $422 billion (US Census total retail). [50]

The EU27 retail trade index for clothing rose/lowered by year (macro context; Eurostat). [70]

The global embroidery market is driven by increasing demand for personalized/bespoke garments (IMARC Group driver statement). [45]

Machine embroidery is faster than hand embroidery, enabling higher throughput (Fortune Business Insights qualitative). [44]

Computerized embroidery machines use computerized control for pattern stitching (general product description from manufacturer). [71]

Brother “PR1050X” embroidery machine has 10 needles (product specification). [72]

Brother “PR1050X” embroidery machine has a max sewing speed of 1,050 stitches per minute (product specification). [72]

Brother “PR680W” has 6 needles (product specification). [73]

Brother “PR680W” has a max sewing speed of 1,000 stitches per minute (product specification). [73]

Tajima “TMB” commercial embroidery machine lines provide 6/8/12 needle configurations (product family). [74]

Tajima embroidery machines offer up to 15 needles on some models (from product specs listing). [74]

Barudan embroidery machine models include 8/10/15 needle systems (product family info). [75]

Barudan commercial embroidery machines can be equipped with up to 15 needles (spec summary). [75]

Janome embroidery machines often have hoop sizes around 5"×7" (example spec). [76]

Hoops sizes on home embroidery machines commonly range 4"×4" to 8"×12" depending on model (Janome category specs). [77]

Juki embroidery machines like “JUKI HZL-DX5” offer 160 built-in designs (example). [78]

Many embroidery machines include USB connectivity for pattern transfer (industry spec on product pages). [71]

“Digitizing” converts artwork into machine embroidery files; common workflow uses vector/bitmap to stitch map (digitizing software description). [79]

Ink/Stitch exports embroidery machine formats and supports cross-platform workflows (software capability). [80]

Embroidery stabilizers are used to reduce puckering and provide support (industry education). [81]

SCHMETZ notes that stabilizer helps ensure better stitch quality (education; not a numeric). [81]

Embroidery thread sizes are commonly specified by denier and tex; (numeric examples vary by thread). [82]

Coats thread basics page states denier indicates linear mass density (definition). [82]

Coats thread basics page states tex is grams per 1000 meters (definition). [82]

Typical embroidery thread is polyester filament thread; (Coats/industry). [83]

Embroidery needles are available in sizes 75/11 to 100/16 for general uses (Schmetz needle guide). [84]

Schmetz needle size guide maps needle system sizes (75/11 etc.) (numeric). [84]

For embroidery, recommended needle types include “EMBROIDERY needles” (industry). [85]

Machine embroidery typically uses smaller needle sizes than jeans needles (needle size comparison on needle guide). [84]

Commercial digitizing software like Hatch creates stitch files for embroidery machines (software description). [86]

Embroidery machine hoop sizes determine maximum embroidery area (example spec). [87]

Brother PR680W hoop size is 9.5"×8" (example spec). [87]

Brother PR1050X hoop size is 10"×6" (example spec). [88]

Barudan embroidery machine line uses servo motors for precise needle motion (product family statement). [75]

Tajima commercial embroidery machines provide “Tajima Exclusive” scanning/registration for repeat accuracy (product description). [74]

Thread tension and underlay settings impact embroidery quality (machine tuning guide). [89]

Ink/Stitch uses SVG editing and generates stitch files (technical). [89]

Embroidery in fashion often uses multi-color sequences with color changes; typical digitizing counts color blocks by design (concept; not numeric). [80]

The embroidery market segment by product type includes hand embroidery and machine embroidery (IMARC Group segmentation). [45]

Embroidery market is segmented by end user such as fashion apparel, industrial application (IMARC Group). [45]

Asia Pacific dominated the embroidery market in 2023 (IMARC Group). [45]

Europe was the second-largest region in the embroidery market in 2023 (IMARC Group). [45]

US apparel and accessories retail sales are a major consumer market for embroidered garments (US Census retail). [50]

EU consumer retail for clothing contributes to demand for embroidery (Eurostat retail sector index). [90]

Rules of origin under EU trade agreements affect textile/garment sourcing (EU official). [91]

REACH regulation applies to chemicals in textile production; REACH authorizations/limits for substances impact dye/finishes (EU REACH overview). [92]

EU textile eco-design and labeling requirements are under EU strategy; (EC page with requirements). [37]

The EU adopted restrictions for certain azo dyes under REACH/Annex (ECHA page). [93]

The US Federal Trade Commission Jewelry/Labeling rules don’t apply directly; for textiles, FTC Textile rules require fiber content disclosures (FTC Textile Fiber Products Labeling Act). [94]

The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act labeling requires truthful disclosure of fiber content (FTC guide). [94]

China export tax rebates and tariffs vary by HS codes for embroidery and apparel (WCO). [95]

HS Chapter 61 includes knitted or crocheted apparel; embroidery demand flows through these categories (WCO HS explainer). [95]

HS Chapter 62 includes woven apparel; embroidery demand flows through these categories (WCO HS explainer). [96]

HS codes for embroidery include certain 58.10 items (WCO HS Chapter 58 explainer). [97]

WCO Chapter 58 covers special woven fabrics, including embroidery (HS Chapter explainer). [97]

The WTO reports global services trade volume increased by 4% in 2023 (context for logistics). [98]

The WTO reports merchandise trade volume fell by 1.2% in 2023 (context). [98]

US tariff lines for apparel depend on HTS and vary; (USITC tariff schedule). [99]

EU TARIC provides duty rates by CN code; textile/embroidery items are affected (EU TARIC). [100]

The EU Ecolabel requires environmental criteria for certain textiles and apparel (EU page). [101]

The US OSHA HazCom standard applies to chemical hazards used in garment finishing and related processes (29 CFR 1910.1200). [102]

The EU SCIP database requires reporting of SVHC for articles above 1 tonne/yr (ECHA SVHC). [103]

ECHA defines SVHC “1 tonne per year per manufacturer/importer” threshold (policy page). [104]

The EU POPs Regulation restricts persistent organic pollutants; textile-treated POPs are regulated (ECHA/EC). [105]