The textile and clothing industry in the EU. A survey

Summary:

The textile and clothing sector is an important part of the European manufacturing industry, giving employment to more than 2 million people. Its importance for social and economic cohesion is increased by the fact that it is dominated by a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are often concentrated in particular regions, thus contributing greatly to their wealth and cultural heritage.

Being one of the oldest sectors in the history of industrial development, the textile and clothing industry is often referred to as a ‘traditional industry’, as a sector belonging to the so-called ‘old economy’. These notions divert attention from the fact that the European textile and clothing industry has undergone significant restructuring and modernisation efforts during the past ten to fifteen years, making redundant about one third of the total work force, increasing productivity throughout the production chain, and reorienting production towards innovative, high-quality products. Like many other sectors, the textile and clothing industry has been greatly affected by the phenomenon of globalisation.

This paper aims to describe the development of the EU textile and clothing industry during the past ten to fifteen years, as well as its potential to cope with the challenges ahead.

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