EU Textile & Clothing Imports Surge; Exports To Asia Decline
European imports of textiles and clothing soared in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a sharp rise in Asian shipments ahead of escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, according to data from the French Fashion Institute (IFM).
Compared to the same period last year, clothing imports rose by 21% and textile imports by 16%, despite remaining slightly below 2019 levels. In total, the EU imported €23.4 billion worth of clothing and €8.7 billion in textiles during the three-month period.
Asian countries led the growth, with China (+29%), Bangladesh (+33%), India (+28%), and Cambodia (+38%) seeing substantial gains. Other key contributors included Vietnam (+22%), Pakistan (+33%), and Sri Lanka (+17%). Even Myanmar, still under partial sanctions, recorded a 9% rise.
In contrast, Turkey, the EU’s third-largest clothing supplier, saw a 1% decline, while Tunisia fell 4%. Morocco (+9%) and Egypt (+22%) showed growth, whereas UK clothing shipments to the EU dropped by 2%.
For textiles, Asia supplied €5.7 billion, up 28%. Bangladesh (+42%) and Vietnam (+44%) were the top performers, while Japan (+5%) and South Korea (+10%) also improved. The UK experienced the steepest fall at -13%, followed by Morocco (-9%).
Exports Decline, Especially to Asia
While imports surged, EU exports of clothing and textiles continued to slide. Clothing exports dropped 2% to €9 billion, with shipments to Asia falling 15%, especially to China (-15%), South Korea (-18%), and Singapore. Japan remained stable, while the U.S. demand rose 6%.
Textile exports fell 4% to €6.4 billion, with a 14% drop in Asian markets. China (-19%), Vietnam (-21%) and South Korea (-22%) were key drivers of the decline. The U.S. remained Europe’s top textile buyer, increasing imports by 2% to €735 million. Morocco (+9%) and Egypt (+27%) also showed strong growth.
The data highlights Europe’s growing dependence on Asian imports while facing persistent challenges in export markets, particularly across Asia.
