Market evolution: Curtains and interior blinds (CN 6303) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the evolution of the European Union's external trade in curtains, interior blinds, and related textile products (Combined Nomenclature code 6303) from 2015 to 2025. The product category includes a wide range of materials and constructions, from knitted synthetic curtains to woven cotton drapes. Over the decade, the EU market for these goods has been characterised by a structural shift towards greater import dependence, significant changes in sourcing geography, and distinct performance among product sub-segments. The analysis is based on official trade data and focuses on the main observable dynamics in trade value, volume, price, and partner relationships.

1. Sustained Import Growth and the Widening Trade Deficit

The EU's trade in CN 6303 has been defined by robust growth in imports, which has significantly outpaced the modest expansion of exports, leading to a growing trade deficit.

Import volume increased by 44% while value rose by 18%

Between 2015 and 2025, the EU's total imports of curtains and blinds saw a dramatic increase in physical volume, rising from 81,064 tonnes to 117,089 tonnes—a 44.4% increase. In the same period, the value of these imports grew from €623 million to €736 million, an 18.1% rise. This divergence is explained by a significant decline in the average import price per tonne, which fell from €7,687 to €6,285 (-18.2%). The data suggests that increased import volumes have been driven, in part, by sourcing from lower-cost suppliers or a shift towards product categories with lower unit values. The peak import value was reached in 2021 at €839 million, likely reflecting post-pandemic demand surges and global supply chain disruptions that affected prices. The following table summarises the overall trade balance.

Source: EU Trade Overview

The EU's net import reliance surged from 3.5% to 25.9%

A key structural change is the EU's dramatically increased dependence on external suppliers. The net import reliance ratio (a measure of the deficit relative to apparent consumption) soared from a low of 3.5% in 2015 to 25.9% in 2025, a percentage increase of 638.8%. This indicates that a growing share of the EU market is being supplied by imports, with domestic production playing a relatively smaller role. This trend is corroborated by the rising trade intensity and export propensity metrics, which point to an increasingly internationally integrated market for these products.

Source: Net Import Reliance

2. Geographical Realignment: China's Dominance and the Rise of New Players

The sourcing landscape for EU imports has undergone a notable concentration around China, while export patterns have diversified with significant growth in shipments to the United States and Ukraine.

China solidified its position as the primary supplier, while traditional partners saw mixed results

China is by far the largest supplier to the EU, accounting for €483 million in imports in 2025 (65% of the total). Its import value grew by 29.9% over the decade. In contrast, other major historical suppliers experienced declines: imports from Türkiye fell by 20.8%, from India by 47.7%, and from Taiwan by 61.5%. This consolidation around China increased the concentration of EU import sources, as reflected in the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for import value rising from 3,824 in 2015 to 4,538 in 2025 (+18.7%). Two notable exceptions to the general decline are Egypt (+216.3%) and Pakistan (+8.4%), which increased their market share.

Source: Top Import Partners

EU export growth was driven by strong gains in the US, the UK, and Ukraine

EU exports grew more dynamically than imports, with value increasing by 25.5% to €259 million. The growth was unevenly distributed geographically. The United States became the fastest-growing major destination, with EU exports soaring by 170.2% to €42.7 million. Exports to the United Kingdom, the largest non-EU market, grew by 67.2% to €47.5 million, and those to Ukraine saw exceptional growth of 293.7%. In contrast, exports to the Russian Federation collapsed by 75.6%, likely due to geopolitical sanctions. The export market is less concentrated than the import market, with the HHI for exports rising only modestly from 1,261 to 1,427 (+13.2%).

Source: Top Export Partners

3. Internal Market Structure: Specialisation and Product Segment Divergence

Within the EU, production and export specialisation varies markedly by member state, and the different product sub-categories within CN 6303 have followed distinct trade trajectories.

Central and Eastern European members show high export specialisation

Analysis of revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in 2025 shows that the EU's production and export of curtains and blinds is heavily specialised in certain Central and Eastern European countries. Romania (RCA 3.32), Poland (3.26), and Czechia (3.07) are the most specialised producers, indicating these countries export these products far more than the EU average. This suggests the presence of competitive textile manufacturing clusters in these regions. At the other end of the spectrum, countries like Ireland (RCA 0.003) and Cyprus (0.012) have virtually no specialisation in this sector.

Source: Specialisation

Synthetic fibre products dominate trade, but cotton products face a secular decline

The product category CN 630392 (curtains of synthetic fibres, not knitted) is the undisputed segment leader in both imports and exports. In 2025, it accounted for 96,774 tonnes (83% of total imports by weight) and €571 million (78% of import value). In contrast, the cotton-based segment (CN 630391) has been in a steady decline, with import volumes falling from 11,903 tonnes in 2015 to 7,302 tonnes in 2025 (-38.7%). This reflects a broader industry shift towards synthetic and blended materials, which often offer advantages in terms of cost, durability, and ease of care. The following table compares the import trends for the two largest sub-segments.

Source: Product Segment Breakdown

Conclusion

Over the 2015–2025 period, the EU market for curtains and interior blinds (CN 6303) underwent a fundamental transformation. It became significantly more reliant on imports, with China cementing its role as the dominant supplier. This import growth was volume-driven, accompanied by falling average prices, and contributed to a widening of the EU's trade deficit. On the export side, the EU found growing demand in key allied markets like the US and UK, while losing ground in Russia. Internally, production and export activities are concentrated in specialised member states in Central and Eastern Europe. The product landscape is increasingly dominated by synthetic fibre articles, to the detriment of traditional cotton products. These trends point towards a market shaped by global cost competition, evolving consumer preferences, and geopolitical trade realignments.