EU textile exports to Canada hit €997m as trade bodies push full CETA ratification

EU exports of textiles and clothing to Canada approached €997m in 2025, while EU imports from Canada totalled €147m, according to figures cited by three industry associations ahead of the EU–Canada Summit in Montréal. In the first six months of 2026, EU exports reached €702m, up 5.7% on the same period in 2025.

In a joint statement issued around the summit, EURATEX, the Canadian Textiles Institute (CTIA) and the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) said the sector holds significant potential to strengthen the transatlantic partnership as a contributor to advanced manufacturing in both markets. They framed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), provisionally applied since September 2017, as the foundation for growth.

What do the trade numbers show?

The associations said the export figures reflect an established commercial relationship with room to expand across the textile and apparel value chain. For Canadian manufacturers, Europe offers a route to diversify beyond traditional markets.

Canada's industry brings manufacturing expertise in technical textiles, advanced materials and specialised products. These serve defence, healthcare, transportation, construction and other industrial applications — a capability profile that aligns with EU demand for advanced materials.

Why is CETA not fully delivering?

The associations called on EU Member States that have not yet ratified CETA to complete national procedures, enabling full entry into force and long-term stability for textile and apparel businesses. CETA remains provisionally applied; full ratification requires every member state's approval.

European Commission data shows the preference utilisation rate for EU exports to Canada rose from 38.7% in 2018 to 63.2% in 2024. The associations said the progress also reveals a gap: eligible exporters are not consistently claiming available tariff preferences.

They want practical guidance communicated more clearly and simply so more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use the agreement. On the Canadian side, the groups said manufacturers need greater awareness of tariff preferences, simplified procedures and stronger business-to-business connections to unlock the European market.

What cooperation already exists?

The three associations are building ties through formal instruments. In April 2026, EURATEX signed complementary joint policy statements with CAF at Première Vision Montréal and with CTIA at Techtextil Frankfurt.

Through these statements, the associations committed to closer industry dialogue, stronger business relationships and cooperation on sustainability and innovation. The resulting EU–Canada Textile and Apparel Dialogue provides a platform to turn shared priorities into practical outcomes, foster partnerships and strengthen cooperation between manufacturers on both sides.

What comes next on standards and sustainability?

EURATEX, CTIA and CAF back joint research and industrial partnerships in technical textiles, advanced materials, circularity and recycling technologies. They see these areas as levers for industrial competitiveness and value creation across the supply chain.

The groups also called for coherent approaches to traceability, eco-design and digital product information, supported by regulatory cooperation. This could include aligning technical requirements and, where appropriate, mutual recognition of standards.

Such alignment would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, particularly for SMEs, which make up most of the sector. The associations added that regulatory frameworks should support innovation, investment and competitiveness to maintain a strong manufacturing base in both regions.

At a time of global trade uncertainty, the three bodies underlined the importance of open, rules-based trade and resilient, diversified supply chains. They invited EU and Canadian leaders to use the summit to strengthen CETA implementation, facilitate business-to-business connections, support joint industrial projects and promote innovation.

For sourcing teams and compliance functions, the practical task is quantifying unclaimed CETA tariff preferences against the 63.2% utilisation benchmark, and tracking whether EU ratification and any mutual standards recognition move forward.