Profile of the textile and clothing industry in Lithuania, July 2002

published in Issue 100, July 2002   Report price: Euro 275.00; US$ 365.00

With only a small domestic market, Lithuanian textile and clothing firms are highly dependent on exports. After the collapse of their main market, the Soviet Union, in 1991, they were forced to turn to the European Union to survive. With low labour costs?which are comparable with many competitors in Asia?coupled with market proximity and a long established tradition of producing textiles and clothing, they quickly gained market share. Exports were given a boost in January 1998 when the EU removed all tariffs and quotas on imports of textiles and clothing from Lithuania. Many companies have also stepped up their exports to the USA.

The industry has benefited from the government?s policy of privatisation and encouraging foreign firms to buy shares. As a result, many plants have been equipped with modern technology. Lithuania?s low labour costs and proximity to the EU have attracted major players such Chargeurs of France, Marzotto of Italy and Tolaram of Singapore. Some foreign investors see Lithuania as a stepping stone to wider markets in the Baltic region and in former Soviet republics.

During 1995-2000 clothing exports grew by an average of 26.7% per annum?faster than exports from any other sector in Lithuania. Also, in 2001 Lithuania ranked among the EU?s leading ten suppliers of women?s skirts. But the country is at a crossroads. EU membership in 2004 or 2005 should benefit the economy as a whole but will open up textile and clothing firms to greater competition. Lithuania?s tariff-free access to EU markets will continue to provide exporters with a competitive advantage over most Asian suppliers. But firms will find it harder to compete after 2004 when international quotas are eliminated and Lithuania?s quota-free access to EU markets ceases to be a competitive advantage.

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