Textiles and clothing industry

The textile and clothing (or T&C) industry is a diverse and heterogeneous industry which covers an important number of activities from the transformation of fibres to yarns and fabrics to the production of a wide variety of products such as hi-tech synthetic yarns, wool, bed-linen, industrial filters, geo-textiles, clothing etc.

The sector is an important part of the European manufacturing industry. It plays a crucial role on the economy and social well-being in numerous regions of the EU-27. According to the latest structural data available, in 2006 there were 220.000 companies employing 2.5 million people and generated a turnover of €190 billion. The textile and clothing sector accounts for 3% of total manufacturing value added in Europe.