According to figures from the Hellenic Textile and Apparel Association (HCIA), the overall exports of the sector posted a considerable increase of 23.7% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2021, reaching up to 1.4 billion euros, against €1.1 billion in the same period last year. Apparel exports posted 19.2% growth within a year, reaching almost €700 million, from €582 million a year earlier. That performance is not far off pre-pandemic levels, as in January-September 2019, apparel exports had reached €720 million.
Textile exports registered a growth of 12.8%, coming to €330 million and matching 2019. The increase of cotton exports was even more significant, soaring 47% compared to last year and reaching €360 million. That is significantly higher than the €315 million registered in January-September 2019.
Hellenic Clothing Industry Association (HCIA) is a non-profit industry association established in Athens in 1962. It represents Greek companies from all sub-sectors of the clothing industry (men, women, and children’s clothing, underwear, swimwear, shirts, fashion accessories, and raw materials).
HCIA has already launched a project, “SUCCESS ROAD,” to support the local textile sector. The project’s overall objective is to help project national and regional authorities implement policies and new succession measures in their operational programs so that SMEs can better face the succession phase and secure their future after a change of ownership. Working to strengthen the overall sustainability and long-term viability of European SMEs will further contribute to the economy’s growth by preserving jobs and boosting economic growth.
