Both the EU and Japan are key export markets for their respective T&C Industry. In the case of the EU industry, Japan is the 7th T&C export market reaching almost 1.9 bill.€. For the Japanese industry, the EU is the 3^rd export market reaching almost 0.7 bill.€.

Euratex, the European Textile and Apparel Confederation, and JTF, Japanese Textile Federation, maintain excellent relationship and complementarity activities. The trade structure of T&C between the EU and Japan is complementary. Under those circumstances, both industries believe that a trade deal would expand the trade and investment in T&C between the two parties and promote further business development. It would also build platforms in various types of R&D cooperation, thereby creating new innovations and business opportunities.

Over the last years, both associations have had deep discussions on the way to reach an agreement that will benefit companies from both parties.

They recently agreed on major issues, as for tariffs elimination and rules of origin. Mr. Piolat, President of Euratex, emphasized the importance of the Joint Statement by stating that:

“Our Japanese colleagues believe, like we do, that the rules should be adapted to the structure of our industries and that we both are best judges of what works for our industries. I am therefore very happy that we can share this Joint Statement and I urge the negotiators both sides to take it into due consideration”.