Developing countries still supply 64.4% of EU apparel imports as market contracts

Developing countries supplied 64.4% of the value of the European Union's knitted and woven apparel imports in January–July 2026, according to an analysis published by Fibre2Fashion on 1 October. The finding suggests that, while Europe's apparel market is shrinking this year, buyers are not bringing production back to Europe on any large scale.

The analysis covers EU27 imports of knitted and woven garments (HS chapters 61 and 62). The developing-country share in the first seven months of 2026 was higher than in earlier comparison periods, while partners inside the EU27 accounted for the remainder. External apparel imports fell year on year, the report said.

The weaker market is reshuffling suppliers rather than reversing offshore sourcing. China and Vietnam gained share in EU apparel imports, while Bangladesh, Türkiye, India, Pakistan and Cambodia lost share, according to the analysis.

"Europe's apparel market is contracting in 2026, but the latest evidence does not show a wholesale return of production to Europe," the analysis said.

Several of the detailed figures, including the total import value and the exact rate of decline, sit behind the publication's paywall.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

EU buyers are still sourcing most of their apparel from outside Europe, but in a smaller market they are switching between suppliers. Lost share for Türkiye, Bangladesh and Pakistan shows that established positions are not safe, while China and Vietnam are winning on price and capacity. Egypt, which is not named in the analysis, can compete on proximity, duty-free access under its EU association agreement and Egyptian cotton, but it will need to match the price and speed that are drawing orders to Asia.