Facts and Key Figures 2024 on the Textile and Clothing Industry
The European textile and clothing sector, predominantly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is vital to the continent’s economy and global trade. According to the Euratex report “Facts & Key Figures 2024 on the European Textile and Clothing Industry“, this industry employs 1.3 million people across 197,000 companies, with 99% of these being SMEs. With a turnover of EUR 170 billion, Europe is the second-largest export of textile and fashion goods worldwide. The industry’s strength lies in its comprehensive production chain, encompassing every step from fibre-making to finished products, all within Europe.
EU external trade in textiles and clothing is significant, with nearly €64 billion worth of products exported and almost €115 billion imported. The top five EU producers—Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal—are key players, producing fibres, fabrics, clothing, and home and technical textiles across various sectors.
