Abaca Fibre Market Growth Analysis Report - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global abaca fibre market size was around USD 279.86 Million in 2024. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.74% during 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 404.02 Million by 2034.

Abaca fibres are considered one of the strongest natural fibres. It is being majorly used in the paper and pulp sectors, ropes and cordages, among others.

The Philippines is the primary producer of abaca fibre, also known as Manila fibre. In 2019, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Bicol region in the Philippines was the top producer of abaca. It accounted for 28.94 KMT or 40.1% of the total abaca production in the country. The other major producing regions include Eastern Visayas and Davao.

The increasing global demand for green and sustainable products is driven by heightened environmental consciousness, rapid climate change, and growing global waste issues. This further increases the need for natural fibres such as abaca fibres.

Figure: Global Abaca Fibre Production Share (Volume) by Country, 2021, Percentage

Key Trends and Developments

Rising sustainability concerns; favourable government initiatives; adoption of abaca fibre as an alternative material; and the presence of technologies for fibre production are positively impacting the abaca fibre market growth

Abaca Fibre Market Trends

The cultivation and harvesting of abaca fibre require relatively low chemical processing, making it a renewable resource with negligible environmental impact.

The availability of technologies and facilities supporting fibre production, extraction, post-harvest, and fibre utilisation benefits the market growth. The technologies involving development of diagnostic laboratories, planting materials, among others, lead to an increase in the production of and improved supply of raw materials for abaca fibre, addressing the increasing global demand.

Various government agencies, state universities, and research institutions, including PhilFIDA, actively engage in abaca research and development, spanning planting materials production and distribution. PhilFIDA operates multiple laboratories and experiment stations, strategically establishing 17 hectares of abaca mother block nurseries across producing regions to expedite planting material production and serve as seed sources, reinforcing their commitment to advancing abaca R&D at various levels.

Market Segmentation

“Global Abaca Fibre Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Application

• Paper and Pulp
• Cordage and Ropes
• Handicrafts and Fibre Craft
• Yarns
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

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Based on application, paper and pulp accounts for the majority of abaca fibre market share

Abaca fibre has the presence of about 68% cellulose, 19% hemicellulose, and 12-13% lignin. Hence, it is being used as an alternative material for the production of pulp. It is most widely used in the production of speciality papers such as tea bags, coffee filter paper, sausage skins, and currency papers. Abaca fibre enables the manufacture of thin, strong, and recycled paper, which is driving its adoption in the pulp and paper sector.

Abaca fibres are also used in the production of well-drilling cables in addition to the production of cordage for naval and marine vessels. The durability, mechanical strength, flexibility, and length of abaca fibre make it fit for various industrial and non-industrial uses.

The growing concerns regarding environmental sustainability are leading to the adoption of environment-friendly materials for clothing. Abaca yarns are renewable making them a perfect choice in the transition towards more sustainable materials.

Competitive Landscape

The growing concerns regarding sustainability and subsequent demand for organic products are encouraging manufacturers to expand their offerings, further increasing their market share

Other notable players operating in the abaca fibre market include Wigglesworth & Co. Limited., and Specialty Pulp Manufacturing, Inc., among others. The manufacturers are upgrading their product portfolios and incorporating the latest capabilities to innovate their offerings and meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Abaca Fibre Market Analysis by Region

The Philippines is the major producer of abaca fibre on a global scale. The abaca plant is cultivated on about 130,000 ha by 90,000 small farmers across the country. The major goods exported from Philippines include abaca pulp, yarns, cordage, fibre crafts, and raw fibre.

The UK is witnessing the trend of sustainable fashion. About 72% of the UK fashion customers are on the lookout for clothes that are sustainable. France is a regular buyer of abaca fabrics from the Philippines. Annually, the imports of Abaca fabrics from the Philippines correspond to about 1,310 MT.

Ecuador and Costa Rica are prominent abaca fibre producers in the Latin America and Middle East region. The abaca fibre sector in Ecuador is majorly characterised by the presence of large estates and smallholder co-operative cultivators.