Textile Sector

179

Companies

914

People Employed

1.27%

Annual Circulation Rate

ABOUT TEXTILE SECTOR

Kosova’s textile sector holds considerable potential for employment expansion, circulation, and export growth. With 179 private enterprises engaged in textile production as of 2022, the majority focus on finished products, employing 914 workers.
While Kosova’s textile exports have traditionally targeted EU countries and CEFTA countries, recent data from 2022 shows the United States emerging as a significant market. The concentration of textile production enterprises in Kosovo is primarily in regions such as Prishtina, Prizren, Ferizaj, and Gjakova.
According to the latest official data from the Agency of Statistics in Kosova (ASK), exports from the sub-sector “Manufacture of textiles and textile articles” accounted for 4.77% of Kosovo’s total goods exports in 2023. In April 2024, this sub-sector’s share in total monthly exports increased to approximately 6.0%. These figures indicate that, although export levels to the European Union and CEFTA previously accounted for 48% and 39% respectively during 2018–2019, the textile sector continues to be an important contributor to Kosovo’s overall exports.
Beyond its export performance, the textile industry remains highly labor-intensive. Its workforce is predominantly composed of women, and a significant number of businesses within the sector are owned or led by women, highlighting its important role in promoting female employment and entrepreneurship in Kosovo.

OPPORTUNITIES

The textile production sub-sector in Kosova presents significant opportunities for employment expansion, circulation, and export growth. As policies focus on bolstering the sector as a source of employment, investors can contribute to Kosova’s third employment expansion objective.
Kosova offers three primary benefits for investors looking to revamp existing textile facilities or establish new production companies. These include a cost-effective, skilled, and experienced workforce; a solid technology base attainable through continuous privatization processes; and numerous subcontracting and outsourcing opportunities.
With the textile sector associated with higher energy consumption growth rates than hydropower, there’s a clear need for energy efficiency measures. By investing in technologies and processes that enhance energy efficiency, investors can align with Kosova’s sustainability goals while maximizing returns in the textile industry.

WOMEN IN TEXTILE

The textile industry in Kosova not only presents promising opportunities for economic growth but also holds the potential to empower marginalized groups, particularly women and girls. As policymakers focus on nurturing this sector to boost employment rates, they inadvertently create avenues for women to play a more significant role in Kosova’s economy.
Within Kosova’s textile sector, women stand out as pivotal contributors, particularly in garment production. Many women own or lead businesses in this domain, showcasing their indispensable role in driving Kosova’s textile industry forward.
In employment, women contribute 2.18%, in the number of enterprises 2.90%, and in annual circulation 1.27% (2022). Additionally, textile production accounts for 3.0% of overall exports, while the textile sector sub-category represents 3.61% (2021). These statistics underscore the significant involvement and potential for women in Kosova’s textile industry.