#Associations

2020-04-01

COVID-19 outbreak may cause a 50% drop in sales and production for the European textile and clothing sector

Recent Eurostat data show that the European textile and clothing manufacturing went through a difficult year in 2019, despite good retail sales and export performances. This trend will worsen in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. An ongoing EURATEX poll with its members shows that 80% of companies are already laying off workers; more than half of them expect a drop in sales and production by over 50%, creating serious financial constraints.

Data for 2019 show an economic slowdown in Europe, with manufacturing remaining under pressure from Brexit and trade frictions. Figures for the textile and clothing (T&C) industry are in line with that general situation: employment declined with over 2%, , and the EU27 turnover evolution turned negative for the first time since 2012-2013 with a -2% setback for textiles, and a -1.3% for clothing, compared to 2018.

However, some positive signs are still coming from the retail sales and trade. The growth rate in the retail sales of textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods in specialised stores remained positive in 2019 (+0.9%).. In addition, EU27 trade is now exceeding €170 bn, a +4% increase compared to the previous year. Exports grew at a higher pace than imports.

The outlook for 2020 is expected to worsen due to the coronavirus’ outbreak, as in March 2020 industry confidence fell dramatically. EURATEX is conducting a survey among European companies: preliminary results indicate that more than half of the companies expect a drop in sales and production by more than 50%. Moreover, almost 9 out of 10 companies face serious constraints on their financial situation and 80% of companies is temporarily laying off workers. 1 out of 4 is considering closing down the company.

EURATEX, as representative of the textile and clothing sector, is concerned about the crisis and the pressure on the functioning of the internal market. Border controls within the EU have increased sharply, leading to delays in supplies but also cancelling of orders, thus aggravating the economic impact. Many companies in the T&C sector work under strong global pressure, with limited absorption capacity for such a crisis, and this survey shows that measures need to be taken immediately. EURATEX already asked the European Commission to foresee fiscal and financial relieve, ensure a coherent approach across EU Member States and avoid limitations to the free movement of goods and of the workforce.

Director General Dirk Vantyghem commented: “The EU and its Member States must do all it takes to save our industry. At the same time, this crisis is an opportunity to develop a new blueprint for our sector; the Commission’s new EU Industrial Strategy can offer a basis for rethinking our business model.”

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

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Europe is losing its textile industry

EURATEX has released its latest Economic Update on the performance of the European textile and apparel industry in 2025. For the third consecutive year, the sector recorded negative results across all key indicators — production, turnover and employment — confirming a continued erosion of competitiveness across Europe.

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Results of the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

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“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.