#Associations

2021-04-15

2021 must be a turning point for the European Textiles and Clothing Industry

On the occasion of releasing its Quarterly Economic Update, EURATEX is concerned that the Covid19 crisis may soon be followed by disruptions in our global supply chains, affecting the competitiveness of our industry.

Economic data up to December 2020 reflect a dramatic contraction in demand and production of textile and clothing items, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the full year 2020, the EU turnover fell by -9.3% in textiles and by -17.7% in clothing, compared with 2019. The crisis was particularly felt in the middle of the year (with production losses over 50%). Towards the last quarter of 2020, business activity recovered in the textile industry (+1.6% as compared with the previous quarter), while it further deteriorated in the clothing sector (-6.8%), as a result of the decline in consumption expenditure and the slowdown in non-essential activities.

Looking at trade performance, T&C extra-EU exports slipped back by -13.6% in 2020. The majority of EU top-10 customers experienced a steep decline in 2020. EU imports increased by +5.5% in 2020. However this increase was mostly due to the import of personal protective equipment (including facemasks), especially from China (increase from EUR 1 billion in 2019 to EUR 20 billion in 2020).

Looking forward, the EU Business Confidence* indicator of March 2021 gained momentum, with a confirmed upward trend in the textile industry (+3.8 points), and a modest recovery in the clothing industry (+1.6 points). Also, the employment expectations indicator saw a robust increase.

However, these signs of recovery are jeopardized by recent turmoil in the T&C supply chain. Raising prices of raw materials (textile fibres, dyestuffs,…) and transport costs, negative impact of CO2 prices and political turmoil in some important sourcing countries (China, Myanmar) create uncertainty, adding to the challenges of the corona pandemic.

On that basis, 2021 will be a critical year for the competitiveness of the European T&C industry. A forward-looking EU textiles strategy, which offers the right policy mix and support instruments for our SMEs, is essential in this context.

EURATEX Director General Dirk Vantyghem commented on these recent developments: “European textiles and apparel companies have shown great resilience and flexibility during this pandemic, but continue to face global challenges. Now is the time to design a modern framework to support these companies in their transition process. We need to focus on promoting innovation, offering support towards digitalisation, creating robust supply chains and ensure a level playing field.”

The EU Textiles strategy is expected for the 3rd quarter of 2021; while it is expected to put a strong focus on sustainability and circularity, EURATEX insists the strategy should take a broader perspective and ensure long term competitiveness of this essential pillar of the European economy.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Latest news from Bremen: ICAC Plenary Meeting to take place right before the International Cotton Conference

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will hold its 83rd Plenary Meeting on 23–24 March 2026 at the Parliament building in Bremen. The meeting will take place immediately ahead of the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen (25–27 March 2026) and marks a historic premiere: for the first time, the ICAC Plenary will be hosted in close cooperation with the Bremen Cotton Exchange and the Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. (FIBRE).

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.