Switzerland’s textiles and clothing industry focuses on the development, manufacture and distribution of high-quality products, in both the clothing and home textile segments, as well as in the field of technical textiles. The industry also provides a variety of services. In the past few decades, the world of textiles and clothing has been transformed into a global industry. The Swiss textiles sector comprises numerous small and medium-sized companies that carry out research, development and/or production on site in Switzerland.
In terms of international pricing competition, Switzerland does not stand a chance when it comes to standard products because of the high costs. In the past few decades, Swiss companies have had to find ways to stand out and to react more quickly and be more inventive than their international competitors. Many companies have evolved into globally operating providers of niche products.
During the year under review, the focus was entirely on re-covering from the crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Companies were hampered by delayed deliveries and supply interruptions, and subsequently by high transport and raw material prices, which resulted in pressure on their margins.
The clearly discernible price increases for the production of textiles are being felt all over the world. They concern not only raw materials, but also chemicals and energy. Despite these challenges, the general business situation and order volume, including demand for services from clothing and textiles companies, improved in the course of last year to reach the level recorded prior to the outbreak of the pan- demic. Clothing exports rose slightly versus the prior year, a trend that can be attributed to increased consumer demand from Italy, Germany and the USA. By contrast, exports of textiles remained below the prior-year level.