The main economic elements of the industry for 2023 were recorded and published by the European Federation of Textiles (EURATEX), according to the Association of Plexicon and Ready Clothing of Greece (SEPEE). The number of clothing and clothing firms operating in 2023 was 197,000, employed 1,300,000 workers and turnover reached 170 billion euros increased by 2%. The value of exports amounted to EUR 64 billion by recording a 3.8% reduction compared to 2022, at the same time as a significant reduction of 17% and the value of imports of EUR 115 billion. Based on production value, the most important category is clothing with 42%, followed by industrial and technical textiles with 19%, fabrics with 14%, household and furniture products with 14%, natural and artificial fibres with 6% and yarn with 5%. 89% of businesses employed less than 10 people, 9% less than 50 people and only 0.3% over 250 people. The most important country in Europe is by far Italy with 36% of turnover, 30% of exports and 24% of employment. Germany is in second place with 15% of turnover, 18% of exports and 9% of employment. In third place France is followed by 9% of turnover, 15% of exports and 7% of employment. In terms of employment, important countries are also Portugal and Poland with 10%, Romania with 8%, Spain and Bulgaria with 6%. One of the major problems in the industry is ageing the workforce. The percentage of workers over 50 years of age over the last 10 years has ejected from 28% to 42%. Finally, as regards the consumption of clothing in Europe, it amounted to EUR 282 billion, with an average consumption of EUR 630 per person. The highest consumption per person is recorded in Luxembourg at EUR 1,500. Here are Austria with EUR 1,030, the Netherlands with EUR 960 and Italy with EUR 920. The per capita consumption of clothing in Germany was 760 euros, in France 520 euros, while in Greece 400 euros. In the last positions are Hungary with 200 euros and Bulgaria with 220 euros.
‘Old’ the Textiles: Over 50 years old 42% of workers
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