Copenhagen Economics has conducted a study on the economic footprint in Europe of the branded clothing companies for the European Branded Clothing Alliance.

The study looks at the entire value chain and shows how European trade policies can help maximise the economic footprint of branded clothing in EU. While the majority of manufacturing activities are located in Asia, a significant share of high-value added activities in areas such as research, R&D and distribution is located within the EU27. The results show that in total the branded clothing industry contributes 2,4% to the EU27 GDP.

Main conclusions of the study are

• Protectionist trade measures such as anti-dumping and high tariffs may actually hurt EU producers rather than help them.
• EU consumers have benefitted significantly from the trade liberalisation that has already occurred on the EU market for clothing and textiles.
• Further measures of trade liberalisation will help maximise the economic footprint of the branded clothing industry in the EU and benefit consumers further.

The full report can be downloaded here

For further information please contact Partner Martin Hvidt Thelle