Portuguese textile and clothing exports started 2026 on a negative note, falling 2.1% in January compared with the same month in 2025. According to industry data, exports totaled €465.77 million, down nearly €10 million from the €475.69 million recorded a year earlier.
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Sales to European Union markets declined significantly, dropping 4.5% to €340.38 million, representing a decrease of about €15.9 million. In contrast, exports to non-EU countries increased nearly 5%, reaching €125.39 million, an improvement of about €6.95 million.
Among Portugal's top export markets, several recorded declines. Spain saw the largest drop, with exports falling 9.4%, followed by Germany (-15.7%), the United States (-7.6%), the United Kingdom (-6.6%), and Sweden (-1.2%). However, some markets showed growth, including France (+0.5%), the Netherlands (+8.1%), Italy (+0.14%), Belgium (+3.4%), and Canada, which posted the strongest increase at +46.4%.
By product category, exports of wadding, felt and nonwoven textiles grew the most, rising 15.6% to €28.51 million. Other categories showing growth included coated or laminated fabrics (+6.3%) and textile floor coverings such as carpets (+21.8%).
However, key export segments declined. Home textile products fell 4.6%, while non-knitted clothing exports dropped nearly 2%. The steepest decline was seen in synthetic staple fibres, which fell 34.9% compared with January 2025.
Source: www.portugaltextil.com
