An important part of its manufacturing sector, the textile and clothing sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the economic and social well-being of European countries. With around 160,000 companies operating in this space and 1.5 million workers, it is an essential pillar of the economy across many EU regions. With over € 61 billion in exports, the sector has 3 percent share of value-added exports and a 6 percent share of employment in total manufacturing in Europe.

Exports surge 49 percent in Q2

 

The industry has recovered from the pandemic¡¯s impact and surpassed 2019 growth levels. In Q2, FY2021 Q2, the European textile industry grew 3.3 percent, while the clothing sector surged 7 percent during the quarter. The European Union¡¯s trade balance for the sector also improved during the quarter shows a report by Euratex. Compared to the same quarter of previous year, Europe¡¯s textile and clothing exports boomed 49 percent while imports declined 26 percent on account of declining imports from some countries like China and the UK due to Brexit and weak demand in Europe.

 

The sector¡¯s recovery also stabilized employment in the region. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, decline in employment in the textiles sector was restricted to 4.4 percent while the decline in clothing sector was 11.8 percent. New jobs in the textile sector grew -0.2 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q2 FY2021 while jobs in the clothing sector recorded a -1.2 percent growth in the sector.

 

Shipping, raw material prices threaten growth

 

However, higher shipping costs and increase in raw materials and energy prices threaten to derail this fragile growth by the industry. In particular, energy costs have increased over three times since the start of this year. Prices of carbon dioxide have risen above €60 since the announcement of the EU¡¯s ¡°Fit for 55¡± package. This has impacted the sector¡¯s competitiveness on a global level. It has also threatened future recovery along with other factors including labor and equipment shortage.

 

The current supply chain and energy problems may disrupt the sector¡¯s current recovery, says Dirk Vantyghem, Director General, Euratex, which ensures a favorable environment within the European Union for design, development, manufacture and marketing of textile and clothing products. Alongwith other EU institutions and European and international stakeholders, Euratex also focuses on developing an ambitious industrial policy, effective research, innovation and skills, free and fair trade, and sustainable supply chains.

 

To sustain its current growth, the industry needs to adopt sustainable production on a global scale besides proposing measures to avoid carbon leakage in the upcoming EU Textiles Strategy, Vantyghem sums up.