Portugal’s garment and textile exports increased 16.5 per cent to reach €.419 billion in 2021. As per a Textile Focus report, exports surged 3.9 percent year-over- year from the pre-pandemic levels. Exports of knitted garments increased 9 per cent to €2.336 billion, reveals Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP) stats, home textile exports increased 17 per cent to €763 million.

However, exports of woven clothing, declined 19 per cent to €796 million. The country saw the highest rise in exports to France in absolute terms among export destinations. Exports to the country increased 18 per cent to €119 million with the French textile and garment market now accounting for 15 per cent of total exports.

Amongst non-EU destinations, exports to the US recorded highest growth of €107 million. On the other hand, exports to Spain declined 14 per cent to -€220 million. The value of Spanish apparel market fell to 25 per cent in 2021, down from 31 per cent in 2019. The sector’s trade balance in 2021 was positive at €1.168 billion, indicating a 127 percent coverage rate, as per ATP