Some positive signs for Italian textiles in difficult market environment
Sales of Italian textiles are expected to reach around €6.9 billion in 2025, a drop of around 1.5% from 2024, according to Confindustria Moda.
Sales of wool – which makes up 40% of textiles – silk and knits fell, but sales of cotton and linen textiles rose.
Total exports amounted to €3.7 billion, down €55 million compared with 2024. Domestic consumption – mainly from luxury brands – was flat.
China was the biggest market in terms of exports, taking a third of the textiles, but also the biggest in terms of textiles imported into the country.
The association warned: “Italian textile producers are still operating in a context characterised by high uncertainty, with no concrete signs of recovery. International tensions, market instability and the use of protectionist measures, especially by the United States, point to a persistent slowdown that will continue into the future.”
However, it added that Milan Unica will present a “critical litmus test” – gauging how buyers feel at the show, and how much business is conducted there, will help them to make more accurate projections for the months ahead.
Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini spoke of the government’s commitment to the sector: “The latest budget law includes regulations and funding to combat ultra-fast fashion, with €500 million allocated to finance development contracts.” He added incoming measures are designed to support businesses become more innovative, enabling them to compete in global markets while leveraging the qualities of Made-in-Italy products.
Simone Canclini, president of Milano Unica, added: “In the third quarter of 2025, the industry as a whole performed well, with a growing sales volume for cotton and linen fabrics, making up the losses accumulated in the previous two years. These positive signs can be interpreted as heralding a good start for 2026.”
