Portuguese textile and clothing exports achieved moderate but significant growth in the first quarter of 2026 despite a challenging environment. A decline in several European markets was offset by increases in non-EU countries.
Between January and March, the sector’s international sales reached 1.44 billion euros. This corresponded to an increase of 0.5 percent compared to the same period last year, said the Portuguese National Statistics Institute (INE). Despite a decline during this period, Spain remains the main buyer for Portuguese textiles.
In the first months of the year, the growing importance of higher value-added categories in the Portuguese export mix continued. Knitwear once again led international sales with 566.5 million euros, representing growth of 3.1 percent. At the same time, clothing other than knitwear increased by 5.6 percent to 274.7 million euros.
More technical categories also became more important. Impregnated fabrics and specialty textiles for industrial applications grew by 10.5 percent in the quarter. Carpets and flooring saw one of the highest increases of the period, rising 15.7 percent.
In contrast, several raw materials and intermediate products were affected by weaker international demand. Exports of synthetic and man-made fibers fell by 30 percent.
The majority of Portuguese exports again went to European Union (EU) states, although sales within the bloc fell 0.6 percent to 1.05 billion euros. Spain remained the leading trade destination with purchases worth 321 million euros, despite a 5.6 percent decline. France gained ground with growth of almost four percent, while Germany reduced its imports by 7.7 percent.
Outside Europe, the US consolidated its position as the fourth largest market for Portugal. The corresponding imports rose by 6.6 percent. The Netherlands also stood out with growth of 14 percent.
Canada was also one of the most dynamic destinations. Portuguese exports there rose 21 percent to 31 million euros, driven mainly by knitwear, clothing and home textiles. Growth in markets such as Poland, Vietnam and Singapore also reflects the geographical diversification strategy. The Portuguese textile industry has accelerated this in recent years in order to reduce its dependence on Western Europe.
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