Textile and Clothing Industry

Textile and Clothing Industry Traditions since long before the Soviet era Attracted strategic foreign investors State-of-the-art production technologies Competitive quality Subcontractors to many internationally well-known manufacturers

Employment as Percentage of Total Manufacturing Employment in 9 Months of 2004 Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Sales of Textile Industry Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Exports of Textile Industry Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Structure of Textiles Exports in 9 months of 2004 Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Textiles Exports by Countries in 9 months of 2004 Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Sales of Clothing Industry Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Exports of Clothing Industry Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Structure of Clothing Exports Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Clothing Exports by Countries in 9 months of 2004 Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

Structure of Clothing Exports in 9 months of 2004 Source: Statistical Office of Estonia

The Future

Problems of the Sector Lack of internationally recognized brands Competition from Asia and other low-cost regions Lack of popularity of the sewing profession

Strengths of the Sector Cultural similarities with Western Europe and the USA Geographical proximity (low transportation costs, fast shipments) Flexible production (small quantities, fast adjustments)

Employment Forecast Source: Statistical Office of Estonia, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia