#Associations

2019-10-02

Better together

The 2019 EURATEX convention consolidates partnership between the EU and Turkey and outlines future priorities for the textile and clothing sector

European and Turkish entrepreneurs, international experts, designers and policy makers came together today in Istanbul to discuss current and future scenarios in the textile and clothing sector. The discussion focused on the challenges of globalisation, environmental impact and digitalisation, and how such challenges can be turned into opportunities. From trade tensions to circular economy and collaboration between designers and manufacturers, the conference addressed a number of topics that are crucial for both EU and Turkish textile and clothing industries.

The event was organized by the Turkish EURATEX members – TGSD (Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association), TTSIS (Turkish Textile Employers’ Association), IHKIB (Turkish Apparel Exporters’ Association) and ITHIB (Turkish Textile & Raw Material Exporters’ Association) – alongside the 12th Istanbul Fashion Conference and gathered over 500 participants. Panels, testimonials and insightful presentations allowed participants to have an overview of the sector in Turkey, and opportunities for collaboration both locally and internationally.

“A strong partnership between the EU and Turkey is crucial for the future of both economic systems”, stated EURATEX President Alberto Paccanelli, also stressing how “a modernised Customs Union between the EU and Turkey can give a fresh boost to our relations, with mutual benefits”.

Under its new Director General Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX aims at addressing trade barriers and bureaucracy between Turkey and the EU, and at creating a favourable environment for investments in digitalisation, sustainability practices, skills and education programmes.

EURATEX urges Member States to prioritise competitiveness in the next EU budget

Ahead of crucial discussions among EU Member States on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, calls on European leaders to safeguard ambitious funding for industrial competitiveness and ensure that these resources translate into concrete investment support in European companies.

EURATEX calls for urgent action on industrial competitiveness

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy.

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

Data and skills, not algorithms, hold back AI adoption in textiles, finds ITMF and ITA white paper

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) have published a new white paper entitled AI in the Textile Value Chain: A Strategic Guide to Artificial Intelligence for the Global Textile Industry. The study concludes that the main barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in the textile and apparel industry are not technological limitations, but poor data integration, skills shortages and gaps in governance. According to the authors, further progress will depend on coordinated efforts to develop capabilities across the industry.

Brazil: The Italian textile and textile-machinery sector takes centre stage at two workshops

From 19 to 24 October 2026, Brazil will host a mission showcasing Italian excellence in the textile and textile machinery sectors, with two workshops scheduled for 20 October in the state of Santa Catarina and 22 October in São Paulo. The initiative will bring together Italian companies specialising in textile machinery, yarns, fabrics and clothing accessories, with the aim of strengthening commercial and industrial ties between the two countries and opening up new opportunities for collaboration.

ITMF survey shows slight improvement in global textile industry despite continued pressure

The 40th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 21 to 29 September 2026, shows a slight improvement in the global business situation, to -23pp, well above the November 2023 low of -46pp. Conditions nevertheless remain weak, in what has become a new normal of high uncertainty. Only South Asia (+13pp) and Africa (+9pp) are positive, while Europe (-36pp), South America (-44pp) and North & Central America (-56pp) report the weakest conditions.