#Associations

2026-10-16

EU and Mercosur textile industries launch new Textile and Apparel Dialogue

EURATEX, ABIT and FITA have launched the EU–Mercosur Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD), a new industry platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European and Mercosur textile and apparel sectors.

The Dialogue will support the effective and balanced implementation of the EU–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement, with a focus on reciprocal market access, competitive and resilient value chains, and sustainable growth.

EU–Mercosur trade in textiles and clothing was worth nearly €700 million in 2025, with European exports to Mercosur reaching €495 million and imports from the region €199 million. These figures already point to a significant industrial and commercial relationship. The new agreement offers an opportunity to deepen this further by improving market access, facilitating trade and encouraging new investment and cooperation across the textile and apparel value chain.

The Dialogue will provide companies and industry representatives with a structured forum to discuss trade flows, investment, rules of origin and practical barriers to trade, including customs procedures and regulatory issues. The partners will also cooperate on sustainability, circularity, traceability, enforcement, and fair competition.

Mario Jorge Machado, President of EURATEX, said: “The EU–Mercosur agreement opens a new chapter for our industries. Through this Dialogue, we want to make sure that these opportunities translate into real business cooperation, stronger value chains, and fair and reciprocal market access. By working together, our industries can identify practical solutions, encourage investment and build a more competitive and sustainable textile and apparel sector.”

The Dialogue will bring together senior industry representatives and meet twice a year, alternating between virtual and in-person meetings. Its chairmanship will rotate annually between EURATEX, ABIT and FITA.

The mandate establishing the Dialogue was signed in Fortaleza by Mario Jorge Machado, President of EURATEX; Fernando Valente Pimentel, President Emeritus of ABIT and Luis Tendlarz, President of FITA.

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