Exports of European textiles and clothing rose in 2021 for the first time after falling at the start of the pandemic, industry association Euratex reports in a new report. Exports increased by 10.6 percent compared to 2020. On the other hand, imports of textiles and clothing fell by 7.5 percent.
The shift in imports and exports improved the trade deficit, which is the difference between imports and exports. According to Euratex, the trade deficit in 2021 was 48 billion euros. In total, textiles and clothing worth 58 million euros were exported and imported 106 million euros, according to the report.
Less imports from China and Great Britain
The increase in exports is mainly due to the Swiss, Chinese and American markets. However, growth in these markets was partially offset by a drop in exports to the UK due to new Brexit rules, customs delays and a shortage of truck drivers, according to Euratex. Exports to the UK fell by 23 percent in 2021.
The fall in textiles and clothing imports is partly due to the fall in imports from China and the UK. European countries imported 28 percent less from China and 48 percent less from the UK in 2021.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl.