The German apparel market came under significant pressure in 2026. Preliminary data from Eurostat show that in the first half of 2026, Germany's apparel imports from non-EU suppliers fell 17.0% year on year. Over the same period, German import prices rose 8.3% year on year, the largest annual increase since December 2022; imported energy costs surged 43.0%, the main driver of this round of inflationary pressure. EU-wide apparel imports from global suppliers also declined 9.7% to €41.1 billion, with import volumes down 6.4% and the average unit price falling 3.53%.

Key points

  • In the first half of 2026, Germany's apparel imports from non-EU suppliers fell 17.0% year on year
  • In August 2026, German import prices rose 8.3% year on year, while energy import costs climbed 43.0%
  • In the first six months of 2026, the EU's total apparel imports fell to €41.1 billion, down 9.7% year on year

From a broader perspective, the cooling of the German market is not an isolated phenomenon. In the first half of 2026, the EU-28's total apparel sourcing from around the world amounted to €41.1 billion, down 9.7% year on year; in volume terms, imports shrank 6.4%, while the average unit price also slipped 3.53%, indicating that weak demand and price competition are occurring simultaneously.

Germany's domestic trade environment is deteriorating as well. Data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany show that in August 2026 import prices climbed 8.3% year on year, the fastest pace since December 2022; export prices rose 4.7% over the same period. Among these, imported energy costs, up 43.0%, were the single biggest driver, directly pushing up logistics and operating costs in the apparel trade.

Despite the market contraction, Germany remains an important hub for international apparel trade in Europe. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, apparel exports to Germany totaled US$4.38 billion, showing that its market size remains considerable.

Looking ahead, fluctuations in the cost structure, changes in consumer demand, and swings in energy prices will remain key variables affecting the stability of the apparel supply chain and the direction of trade in Germany and across Europe.

Source: Germany’s apparel market remains under pressure · Originally published 2026-10-04