2017 clothing and footwear export and import trends in Europe

Across the European Union (EU), clothing exports have increased by 29% from 2013 to 2017.

In 2017 Italy exported the most clothing and footwear, at 19% of total EU clothing and footwear exports. Germany was second at 16% and Spain was third at 10%. Belgium was fourth at 9% and France was fifth at 8%.

Where were the clothes going? Switzerland was the largest non-EU receiver of clothing and footwear (20%), followed by America (14%), Russia (9%), Hong Kong (7%), Japan (5%), and China (5%).

For imports, Germany was the largest importer of clothing and footwear in the EU at over 20% of the total clothing and footwear imports. This is followed by France (13%), United Kingdom (12%), Spain (9%), and Italy (9%).

Where did the imports come from? China was the largest non-EU contributor of clothing and footwear to the EU (35%), followed by Bangladesh (15%), Turkey (9%), Vietnam (7%), India (6%), and Cambodia (4%).

The top item for EU exports and imports was female clothing (suits, jackets, blazers, dresses, and skirts) at 21% of all EU exports and 20% of all EU clothing and footwear imports. The second highest item was male clothing (suits, jackets, blazers, and trousers) at 13% of all EU clothing and footwear exports and 12% of all EU imports. The third highest item was sweaters, pullovers, cardigans, and waistcoats for males and females at 11% of all EU clothing and footwear exports and 12% of all EU imports.

The Financial conducted the study across EU member states.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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