World textile and apparel trade and production trends: the EU, May 2024

World textile and apparel trade and production trends: the EU, May 2024

This report contains statistical data, information and insight into the textile and apparel industries in individual EU member states and in the EU as a whole. The report identifies important trends, and includes information on general economic trends, textile and clothing production in the EU, the EU’s textile and clothing trade balance, imports by supplying country, exports by destination country, and imports and exports by EU member state. The report presents a wealth of information and is essential for anyone who is considering sourcing from, selling to or investing in the EU and its leading supplying countries and export markets.

During 2023, textile and clothing exports from EU countries to countries outside the EU fell in value and volume. Reflecting these trends, production of textiles and clothing in the EU also fell. Furthermore, imports of textiles and clothing into the EU from countries outside the EU declined in value and volume. Despite the decline in imports, however, EU consumer expenditure on clothing and footwear continued to increase in euro terms in 2023, although the rise represented a sharp slowdown compared with the growth seen in 2022. Notably, EU consumer expenditure is expected to slow further in 2024 and in 2025. Consequently, EU textile and clothing imports are unlikely to increase substantially in 2024.