#Market Analysis & Forecasts

2021-06-03

Impact of Brexit on the Textile and Clothing Industries in the EU and the UK

The "Editorial: Impact of Brexit on the Textile and Clothing Industries in the EU and the UK" report from Textiles Intelligence Ltd. has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In this report, Robin Anson analyses the findings of the study with particular reference to the effects of the two scenarios - a "no deal" Brexit and a "soft" Brexit - on employment and value added in the UK and EU textile and clothing industries.

A transitional arrangement designed to bridge the gap between the UK's departure from the EU on January 31, 2020, and full independence is due to come to an end on December 31, 2020.

The end of the transitional arrangement will have far-reaching consequences for the textile and clothing industries in the UK and in the remaining 27 EU member states. However, those consequences will depend on whether a deal can be reached.

The impacts of two scenarios for the textile and clothing industries in the UK and in the remaining 27 EU member states have been examined in a new study commissioned by Euratex (the European Apparel and Textile Confederation), based in Brussels, Belgium, and conducted by Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven--Catholic University of Leuven), based in Leuven, Belgium.

For more information about this report visit:

https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m9t1j0

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Fluff pulp market maintains steady growth

Despite being impacted by political and economic woes, the global fluff pulp market in 2024 will reach 7.3 million air dried tonnes with a value of $9.7 billion, according to a new Smithers produced study, The Future of Fluff Pulp to 2029. This is up from 6.2 million air dried tonnes valued at $5.5 billion in 2019.

Economic and geopolitical headwinds influence industrial nonwovens growth to 2029

The global consumption of industrial nonwovens in 2024 is 5.3 million tonnes or 83.4 billion square metres (m2), valued at $21.2 billion, according to The Future of Industrial Nonwovens to 2029 from Smithers. Growth rates for 2019-24 were 6.9% (tonnes), 6.9% (m2) and 6.7% ($). This reflects a recovery in some markets from Covid-19 as well as an adjustment to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and its repercussions (inflation, energy supply/price, global economic growth reductions).

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.