Textiles and clothing is a diverse sector that plays an important role in the European manufacturing industry, employing 1.7 million people and generating a turnover of EUR 166 billion. The EU textile and clothing industry is a leader in world markets: the EU exports to the rest of the world represent more than 30% of the world market while the EU Single Market is also one of the most important in terms of size, quality and design. This sector in the EU is based around small businesses. Companies with less than 50 employees account for more than 90% of the workforce and produce almost 60% of the value added.
Regarding the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, a large majority of all tariff lines related to textile products (Chapter 50 to Chapter 63) has been liberalised as from the entry into force of the Agreement, or already had a zero MFN base rate before the entry into force of the Agreement. To benefit from EPA preferential tariff rates, the product needs to be originating in Japan or the EU.
The complete text of the EPA, and Annexes, incorporating the Articles on textiles, can be found on the following website of the European Commission:
A factsheet has been published on this topic. Please click here to get access.
In addition, webinars were organised on this topic:
2020 session: Recording – PowerPoint slides
2021 session: Recording – PowerPoint slides
The EU-Japan Centre currently produces 5 newsletters :
Joint venture established in 1987 by the European Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Government (METI) for promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan.
The EU-Japan Centre’s activities are subject to the allocation of a Grant Agreement by the European Commission for 2024-2026