#Associations

2024-11-14

EURATEX and AMITH sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean partnership in the Textiles industry

On 7th November 2024, EURATEX (the European Apparel and Textile Confederation) and AMITH (Association Marocaine des Industries du Textile et de l'Habillement) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 21st edition of Maroc in Mode (MIM 2024) in Casablanca. This MoU aims to foster deeper collaboration and mutual growth within the European and Moroccan textile and clothing (T&C) industries.

AMITH President El Ansari Anass and Mario Jorge Machado, EURATEX President, sign the MoU © 2024 EURATEX

The MoU underscores shared priorities, including aligning industry practices with European sustainability and circularity standards, addressing customs and regulatory challenges, and strengthening the investment and business climate between the two regions. The agreement highlights EURATEX and AMITH’s commitment to advancing competitiveness in the global textile market, supporting a seamless and cohesive approach to trade under the revised rules of the Pan Euro Med Convention, which enter into force on 1 January 2025.

This partnership also opens new avenues for information exchange on industrial technology, cross-border business initiatives, and collaborative skill development projects. By enhancing cooperation in these areas, EURATEX and AMITH are working to create a sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive Euro-Mediterranean textile industry.

"The EU-Morocco textile connection has vast untapped potential," said Mario Jorge Machado, EURATEX President. "Through our collaboration with AMITH, we aim to fortify both regions' textile sectors, embracing sustainability and competitiveness as core values. This MoU is a meaningful step toward our shared vision of a thriving Euro-Mediterranean textile ecosystem."

„This Memorandum of Understanding is important for AMITH as it will help achieving our mission: drive the continuous development of the Moroccan industry and help companies rise to new levels of excellence and sustainability” commented El Ansari Anass, AMITH President.

The MoU represents a pivotal commitment to a sustainable and collaborative future for the European and Moroccan textile industries, paving the way for new opportunities under the PEM Convention framework.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Latest news from Bremen: ICAC Plenary Meeting to take place right before the International Cotton Conference

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will hold its 83rd Plenary Meeting on 23–24 March 2026 at the Parliament building in Bremen. The meeting will take place immediately ahead of the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen (25–27 March 2026) and marks a historic premiere: for the first time, the ICAC Plenary will be hosted in close cooperation with the Bremen Cotton Exchange and the Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. (FIBRE).

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.