Hemp Tow Market

The global hemp tow market is projected to see growth in both volume and value from 2022 to 2030, with consumption trends on the rise. Despite a slight decrease in consumption in 2022, overall consumption has been steadily increasing. Key markets for hemp tow include France, China, and Austria. Production has shown significant growth, with the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania leading in exports. Prices and demand for hemp tow have fluctuated over the years, with notable increases in certain regions.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for hemp tow worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +4.0% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 419K tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +8.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $2.1B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Hemp Tow

After two years of growth, consumption of hemp tow decreased by -0.6% to 306K tons in 2022. In general, consumption, however, recorded a prominent increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 321K tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the global consumption failed to regain momentum.

The global hemp tow market revenue reached $1.1B in 2022, remaining constant 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). Overall, consumption, however, posted a strong increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $1.4B. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the global market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were France (124K tons), China (77K tons) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (15K tons), together accounting for 71% of global consumption. Poland, Spain, Germany, Austria and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Poland (with a CAGR of +19.4%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($674M) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($247M). It was followed by Austria.

In China, the hemp tow market increased at an average annual rate of +18.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: France (+0.7% per year) and Austria (+8.9% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of hemp tow per capita consumption in 2022 were France (1,836 kg per 1000 persons), Austria (1,084 kg per 1000 persons) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (588 kg per 1000 persons).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consuming countries, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +19.6%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Hemp Tow

After two years of growth, production of hemp tow decreased by -3.9% to 288K tons in 2022. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 51%. Global production peaked at 313K tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by a buoyant increase of the harvested area and measured growth in yield figures.

In value terms, hemp tow production dropped to $1.2B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a prominent increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 359% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $1.6B in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were France (123K tons), China (75K tons) and the Netherlands (18K tons), together accounting for 75% of global production. Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Poland, Austria and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Poland (with a CAGR of +18.8%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Yield

The global average hemp tow yield dropped to 3.8 tons per ha in 2022, reducing by -5.4% against 2021. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the yield increased by 24%. The global yield peaked at 4.2 tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure.

Harvested Area

In 2022, the global hemp tow harvested area was estimated at 76K ha, picking up by 1.6% against 2021. Overall, the total harvested area indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, hemp tow harvested area decreased by -1.5% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to hemp tow production reached the peak figure at 77K ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports

World Imports of Hemp Tow

In 2022, the amount of hemp tow imported worldwide soared to 41K tons, jumping by 18% compared with the year before. Overall, imports posted a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 45%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, hemp tow imports dropped modestly to $39M in 2022. In general, imports showed resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 161%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $70M. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of global imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports By Country

In 2022, Spain (11K tons), distantly followed by Germany (5.6K tons), the Czech Republic (4.2K tons), Denmark (3.8K tons), the UK (3.2K tons), China (2.7K tons) and Belgium (1.9K tons) represented the largest importers of hemp tow, together achieving 80% of total imports. The following importers - France (1.7K tons), the United States (1.5K tons) and Italy (0.6K tons) - together made up 9.4% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +65.3%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($5.8M), Germany ($4M) and the Czech Republic ($3.6M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 34% share of global imports. The UK, China, Italy, Belgium, France, Denmark and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

China, with a CAGR of +50.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) represented the main imported product with an import of about 28K tons, which amounted to 68% of total imports. It was distantly followed by hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun (13K tons), committing a 32% share of total imports.

Hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) was also the fastest-growing in terms of imports, with a CAGR of +8.4% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun (+8.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. The shares of the largest types remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest types of imported hemp tow were hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) ($25M) and hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun ($17M).

Hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun, with a CAGR of +11.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main imported products over the period under review.

Import Prices By Type

The average hemp tow import price stood at $965 per ton in 2022, falling by -17.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw modest growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average import price increased by 80%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $1,966 per ton. From 2021 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun ($1,268 per ton), while the price for hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) stood at $896 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun (+3.2%).

Import Prices By Country

The average hemp tow import price stood at $965 per ton in 2022, falling by -17.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a mild expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average import price increased by 80%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $1,966 per ton. From 2021 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($3,270 per ton), while Denmark ($410 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+1.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Hemp Tow

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of hemp tow decreased by -13.5% to 23K tons in 2022. Overall, exports, however, showed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 406%. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the maximum at 26K tons in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, hemp tow exports contracted markedly to $63M in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 156%. The global exports peaked at $89M in 2021, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

Exports By Country

The Netherlands prevails in exports structure, recording 15K tons, which was near 68% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Belgium (1.1K tons) and Romania (1K tons), together committing a 9.3% share of total exports. The United States (589 tons), Canada (573 tons), Germany (559 tons), Russia (474 tons), Ukraine (356 tons), Lithuania (351 tons) and Italy (342 tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to hemp tow exports from the Netherlands stood at +33.3%. At the same time, Ukraine (+155.6%), Romania (+101.1%), Russia (+65.6%), Lithuania (+60.9%), Canada (+33.1%), Belgium (+21.2%), Germany (+20.3%), Italy (+19.6%) and the United States (+18.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Ukraine emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +155.6% from 2012-2022. The Netherlands (+35 p.p.), Romania (+4.5 p.p.), Russia (+2 p.p.), Ukraine (+1.6 p.p.) and Lithuania (+1.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while the United States saw its share reduced by -1.6% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest hemp tow supplying countries worldwide were the Netherlands ($17M), Italy ($14M) and the United States ($2.8M), together accounting for 54% of global exports. Belgium, Germany, Canada, Romania, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 9.5%.

Among the main exporting countries, Lithuania, with a CAGR of +117.3%, saw the highest growth rate of 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

Hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) was the key type of hemp tow in the world, with the volume of exports finishing at 41K tons, which was approx. 66% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun (21K tons), mixing up a 34% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exported products, was attained by hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) (with a CAGR of +13.8%).

In value terms, the largest types of exported hemp tow were hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun ($37M) and hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) ($31M).

Hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun, with a CAGR of +20.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exported products over the period under review.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average hemp tow export price amounted to $2,813 per ton, declining by -17.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 50%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $3,406 per ton in 2021, and then dropped significantly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun ($1,759 per ton), while the average price for exports of hemp (cannabis sativa l.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) totaled $742 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by hemp (cannabis sativa l.); raw or retted, but not spun (+9.1%).

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average hemp tow export price amounted to $2,813 per ton, which is down by -17.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 50%. The global export price peaked at $3,406 per ton in 2021, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

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 Italy ($42,332 per ton), while Romania ($678 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Lithuania (+35.0%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform