Portugal’s textile and clothing exports increased by 16.5 per cent over 2020 to €.419 billion in 2021, and 3.9 per cent above the pre-pandemic year of 2019. According to the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP), exports of knitted garments increased 9 per cent to €2.336 billion while home textiles exports surged by 17 per cent to €763 million.

In contrast, exports of woven garments declined 19 per cent to €796 million. In terms of export destinations, exports to France registered the largest increase in absolute terms. Exports to the country surged by 18 per cent to €119 million. The French market now accounts for 15 per cent of total textiles and clothing exports.

Amongst non-EU destinations, exports to the US grew the most, an increase of €107 million. On the other hand, exports to Spain declined 14 per cent to -€220 million. The value of the Spanish apparel market dropped to 25 per cent in 2021 from 31 per cent in 2019. According to the ATP, in 2021 the sector’s trade balance had was positive at €1.168 billion, a coverage rate of 127 per cent.