European textiles and clothing: a balancing act between structural evolution and robust market defence

The European textile and clothing industry is at a a pivotal moment and continues to serve as an economic pillar with 166 billion euros in annual turnover according to Euratex’s Facts & Figures 2026 report. Despite sustaining nearly 200,000 companies and 1.2 million jobs, the sector is grappling with contraction. Structural macroeconomic pressures, rising operational expenses within Europe, and cooling global demand have triggered a notable 2.8 percent decline in employment, forcing the industry to adapt rapidly to survive.