European textile and apparel industry shows signs of stabilization

The European apparel and textile industry showed signs of stabilization in the second quarter of 2026, following a prolonged period of decline. According to data from EURATEX cited by the Greek Association of Knitwear and Ready-to-Wear Enterprises (SEPEE), the sector is beginning to see signs of smoothing out after challenges faced since 2023.

In the textile segment, production decline slowed to 3.1% in the second quarter of 2026, compared to a 4.2% drop in the previous quarter. Notably, the textile work cycle saw its first annual increase of 0.3% since early 2024. Conversely, apparel production saw a 6.2% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Exports have returned to positive territory after nearly eighteen months of decline. Apparel exports rose by 1.3%, while textile exports increased by 1.5%, indicating a recovery in external demand for European products.