The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT) and the Argentine Federation of Textile Industries (FITA) launched the EU-Mercosur Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD) in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 15 October 2026. The new industry platform aims to strengthen cooperation between the European and Mercosur textile and apparel sectors and support the effective and balanced implementation of the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement.

EU–Mercosur trade in textiles and clothing was worth nearly €700 million in 2025, including €495 million in European exports to Mercosur and €199 million in imports from the region. The Dialogue will provide companies and industry representatives with a structured forum to discuss trade flows, investment, rules of origin and practical barriers to trade, including customs procedures and regulatory issues. Cooperation will also cover sustainability, circularity, traceability, enforcement and fair competition.

The Dialogue will bring together senior industry representatives and meet twice a year, alternating between virtual and in-person meetings. Its chairmanship will rotate annually between EURATEX, ABIT and FITA. The mandate establishing the Dialogue was signed in Fortaleza by the three organisations’ representatives.

For further details, please head to EURATEX website.