'Together with our members. For our members. Because growing together - that is the only way forward.' With that powerful message, Fedustria presents its Annual Report | Rapport Annuel 2024-25. The sector federation once again compiles a wealth of insights, figures and stories from the Belgian textile, wood and furniture industry.
© Fedustria
CEO of Fedustria Karla Basselier with Jan Desmet (of Decospan Group) on the right, who passed the torch to Frank Veranneman (Veranneman Technical Textiles (Sioen) in April.
The richly illustrated edition offers not only a review of the past working year, but above all an insight into the strategic course that Fedustria and its members are setting together. Around four strategic pillars, namely: Inform, Inspire, Innovate and Realise Impact, the report shows how the federation is moving the sector forward.
© Fedustria
Strong sector figures
Despite economic uncertainties, the sector managed to show resilience in 2024. Total turnover was as high as EUR 11 billion, of which EUR 6 billion came from the wood and furniture industry and EUR 5 billion from the textile sector.
In the wood and furniture sector, panel materials accounted for the largest share of turnover at 36%, followed by building elements (32%) and furniture (17%). In the textile sector, technical textiles dominate with 47%, followed by interior textiles (37%) and clothing textiles (10%).
The export position remains solid, with a positive trade surplus of +€2.4 billion. The textile sector in particular contributes to this with an impressive surplus of +2.9 billion euro, while the wood and furniture sector records a slightly negative balance of -0.5 billion euro.
Investment
What really stands out is the high level of investment. A total of €445.9 million was invested in 2024, of which 260 million was invested by the wood and furniture sector and 185.9 million by the textile sector. On average, companies invest around 70% of their resources in innovation and growth, with peaks of up to 75% in the wood and furniture sector.
Stronger together
The annual report is more than a collection of figures: it also gives the floor to entrepreneurs, business leaders and partners from the field. Their testimonies show the power of cooperation, innovation and sustainability. From circular economy to technological progress and international expansion - the stories inspire and connect.
Fedustria remains committed to a powerful sector story, with a clear mission: to future-proof the Belgian textile, wood and furniture industry.
The full report can be read here.
More information:
Fedustria
www.fedustria.be