Even if we so wished, it is impossible to produce the majority of clothing in Europe, not even in Eastern Europe and not even in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (EMEA). As Wolfgang Weis from Weis Consulting, an expert in this market, explains “Anyone in Western and
Experts estimate that there are around one million people working in the clothing sector in the European Union (Source: Eurostat, for 2011) compared to five million workers in the
Wage costs are not the only deciding factor
Against the background of rising wage costs in
Besides the wage cost for each minute, other relevant issues include the local availability of an attractive range of fabrics and accessories, the reliable supply of power and communication as well as the transport infrastructure. A buyer from a large European trading house, buying finished products, says: “what is the point of low wages when the country cannot offer a range of fabrics?”
He or she would argue that short-term, current fashions can be produced easily in South East Europe with fabrics from
However, if you are happy with a narrow selection of fabrics because this fits your range of products, you will find what you are looking for there. Weis sees good growth prospects in the