Textile production in Germany increased by 1.7 per cent in the first quarter, whereas clothing production volume decreased by three per cent.
Indicators for order intake worsened compared to former months. Order intake for textiles was declining in March and also markedly for clothing in the first quarter.

Production prices increased slightly, for textiles by 1.4 per cent and for clothing by 0.6 per cent.

Proceeds of clothing retailers increased 2.8 per cent in the first quarter.

Textile exports rose 0.2 per cent. Clothing exports rose six percent. The total increase was 3.8 per cent. By contrast, imports decreased by 2.7 per cent. Thus the trade surplus diminished by 16.6 per cent.

Raw material imports decreased by 9.3 per cent.

The occupational rate of the clothing and textile sectors rose slightly by 0.2 per cent.

Uncertainties in the economy and in the foreign policy are growing. However the indicators for proceeds and occupation are easing. It has to be seen if the economy after a sedate start in 2018 will swing forward.

The overall economic situation has been one of stagnation. And textiles and clothing were no exception to the trend.