126.940
People employed | 2021
17% of the manufacturing industry. Source: Statistics Portugal.
The Textile and Clothing (T&C) Industry has a long-standing tradition in Portugal , being widely recognized for its product quality, flexibility, skill set, creativity, innovation and short lead times.
The T&C Industry in Portugal is the 5th largest in revenue and the 4th largest in employment in Europe. According to EURATEX, the T&C industry in Portugal absorbed 9% of the investment performed in Europe within this sector, in 2019.
Most manufacturers are concentrated in the North of Portugal (namely in Oporto and Braga regions), where endogenous resources and existing know-how and skills make it one of the most relevant textile production hubs. Moreover, there's a notable expansion in the technical textiles sector in Covilhã, situated in Castelo Branco region, fueled by strong technological competitiveness.
Aware of the heavy environmental footprint, this sector in Portugal is actively involved in the development of new materials, new production processes, the use of clean energy, digitization and advanced technical equipment.
Main products exported
15
%10
%10
%5
%5
5Main export markets
23
%16
%9
98
%7
%