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Global Textile Bodies Back EU Mercosur pact To Boost Trade And industry competitiveness

• By  Textile Excellence
• February 09, 2026

European, Brazilian, and Argentine textile bodies have jointly backed the Mercosur European Union Partnership Agreement, calling it vital for the sector’s long-term competitiveness and stability in global trade. The joint statement from FITA, ABIT, and EURATEX underlined the strategic importance of the agreement for both regions and expressed confidence that the ratification process will move forward. Industry groups said the pact would create predictable trade rules and strengthen economic integration at a time of rising uncertainty in global supply chains. They also highlighted the scope for improved market access, technology cooperation, and investment flows across both blocs.

The European textile and apparel sector currently includes around 200,000 companies employing nearly 1.2 million workers and generating turnover close to €170 billion. Brazil’s industry comprises about 25,700 companies employing 1.3 million workers and producing turnover of US$40.9 billion, while Argentina’s sector includes roughly 4,000 companies employing 540,000 people across the value chain. The associations stressed that the agreement could also drive stronger environmental standards and deeper industrial cooperation across the Atlantic textile ecosystem.

The European textile and apparel sector currently includes around 200,000 companies employing nearly 1.2 million workers and generating turnover close to €170 billion. Brazil’s industry comprises about 25,700 companies employing 1.3 million workers and producing turnover of US$40.9 billion, while Argentina’s sector includes roughly 4,000 companies employing 540,000 people across the value chain.