A slight decline in exports amid a rise in imports
Exports in the textile and apparel sector totaled 36.9 billion euros in 2025. This figure, based on data published by Confindustria Moda, marks a slight decline (-1.6%) for the Italian sector, amid an “international context that remains complex, characterized by mixed demand and growing global competitive pressure.”
At the same time, imports recorded single-digit growth, reaching €26.5 billion (+2.4%), signaling “a gradual rebalancing of trade and greater market penetration by foreign products.” The sector’s trade balance remains positive but is contracting, “confirming a transition phase that requires attention and targeted interventions.”
Traditional markets hold steady, Asia declines
Once again, it is the traditional markets that are supporting the peninsula’s exports. France remains the top trading partner with a value of 4.7 billion euros (+0.7%), followed by Germany (3.6 billion, stable) and the United States (2.9 billion, +0.8%). These are mature markets that continue to provide a solid foundation for the international presence of “Made in Italy,” despite the economic slowdown. In contrast, the situation is more challenging in Asian markets, where a significant contraction in exports is observed: China shows a decline of 11.9%, Hong Kong of 6.6%, and South Korea of 16.3%. This trend reflects the slowdown in global demand and, in particular, in luxury-related segments.
The surge in Asian imports and ultra-fast fashion
Conversely, imports are growing, driven mainly by non-EU countries, which now account for more than two-thirds of total volumes. China remains the leading supplier with €4.6 billion (+8%), followed by a number of rapidly expanding Asian countries: Bangladesh (+5.8%), India (+3.9%), but especially Vietnam (+24%) and Cambodia (+26%), which are recording the sharpest increases.
This trend is proving insidious, highlighting a strengthening of low-cost international production chains—the association observes—and growing pressure on the competitiveness of the Italian sector, particularly in the phases most exposed to global competition.
Confindustria Moda’s call to support the sector
“The year 2025 shows resilience in our key markets in Europe and the United States, but also a concerning growth in imports, especially from Asia, particularly linked to ultra-fast fashion,” states Confindustria Moda President Luca Sburlati. “This is a clear sign of competitive pressure that requires us to strengthen our international presence and support the sector with appropriate policies, particularly through new free trade agreements such as those with Mercosur and Australia, as well as protective measures regarding India.”
In this scenario, Confindustria Moda reaffirms the need for urgent action to support the sector’s competitiveness: from energy costs to internationalization tools, including clear rules on Industry 5.0 and accelerated depreciation, in order to preserve the central role of the Italian textile and apparel sector in global markets and its contribution to the country’s GDP.