The Greek apparel industry is reeling from one crisis after another, as consumers reduce purchases of commodities that are not urgent, such as new clothing and shoes.
The sole certainty these days is uncertainty, say senior officials of the local apparel sector, presenting the situation in the domestic market after the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.
“The market cannot relax, as after one geopolitical event there comes another. Nobody can make a prediction, the outlook is unclear, affecting the consumption of products that are not of immediate need, such as clothes,” say officials at the Greek Fashion Association (SEPEE).
Energy rate hikes and constant inflationary pressures have affected consumer sentiment, with officials observing a “containment” of consumption as far as shops are concerned. On the other hand, fashion product sales through low-priced online platforms such as Shein and Temu continue to show great penetration, especially among the young buyers.
Data from the European Apparel and Textile Confederation showed that in 2025 the continental industry continued to suffer pressure and face the same challenges that have had a negative impact on its course since 2023. Weak demand, increasing competition with imports from low-cost countries and the reduction in exports had a negative impact on the sector’s course, with the exception of the last quarter of last year.
For the entire 2025 the financial indexes (with the exception of imports) showed a reduction, and European retailers have already warned about weak demand as well as a possible rise in the sector’s prices in case the conflict in the Middle East goes on.
According to the figures, European production showed a 4.5% decline in apparel and 1.6% in textile last year. Output has actually shown a decline for more than three years, since the second half of 2022. Last year revenue posted a 1.6% drop in clothing, a 2% drop in textile, while exports showed a 2.6% fall in apparel and 4.1% in textile. Imported goods posted a 2.4% growth in apparel but a 1.4% decline in textiles.
Notably, the biggest losses were recorded in Turkey, with its exports to the European Union going down for a third straight year, by 14%.
