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Global Clothing Production Statistics

A $1.9 trillion industry drives global trade, jobs, pollution, and waste.

If the numbers about global clothing production feel unreal, that is because the industry now moves roughly US$1.9 trillion a year in apparel retail value, ships hundreds of billions in textiles and garments across borders, and employs tens of millions of workers while also shaping the water use, pollution, emissions, and waste behind nearly every outfit we wear.

Jannik LindnerWritten byJannik LindnerCo-Founder, Rawshot.ai
UpdatedApril 19, 2026Read13 minSources126 verified

Executive Summary

Key Takeaways

Research reviewed

A $1.9 trillion industry drives global trade, jobs, pollution, and waste.

  • Global clothing production is worth about US$1.9 trillion per year (clothing/apparel retail value)

  • Global textile and clothing exports were about US$744 billion in 2019

  • The global apparel market size was about $1.9 trillion in 2023

  • In 2020, global polyester production exceeded 55 million tonnes

  • Polyester share of global fiber production was about 52% in 2019

  • Cotton production in 2022/23 was about 26.0 million tonnes (global)

  • In 2021, the EU used about 4.3 million tonnes of textiles for recycling

  • In 2022, clothing consumption in the EU was about 6.9 million tonnes

  • In 2020, global production of textiles and apparel resulted in about 92 million tonnes of waste (industry)

  • In 2018, the production of textiles and apparel was responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (widely cited)

  • Fashion contributes 2-8% of global GHG emissions (UNEP/others)

  • The production and use of textiles and clothing represent about 4% of global emissions (McKinsey estimate)

  • In 2023, global clothing under-collection and overconsumption lead to about 100 billion garments produced each year (estimate)

  • In 2019, EU per-capita textiles consumption was about 26 kg/person/year (estimate)

  • In the EU, about 11 kg of textiles are discarded per person per year (estimate)

Section 01

Consumption & Waste

  1. In 2023, global clothing under-collection and overconsumption lead to about 100 billion garments produced each year (estimate) [1]

  2. In 2019, EU per-capita textiles consumption was about 26 kg/person/year (estimate) [2]

  3. In the EU, about 11 kg of textiles are discarded per person per year (estimate) [3]

  4. In 2018, EU textile waste generated was about 6.0 million tonnes (estimate) [3]

  5. In 2019, global textile waste was about 92 million tonnes (estimate) [3]

  6. In 2020, average global consumer buys about 60% more clothing than a decade ago (estimate) [4]

  7. In 2019, average EU clothing purchased per person was about 12 kg/year (estimate) [3]

  8. In 2020, EU repair/reuse rates for clothing were below 25% (estimate) [2]

  9. In 2021, global clothing returns rates for online retail can reach 30-40% (industry average) [5]

  10. In 2019, global consumer wardrobe size increased in Europe to about 4.4 kg per person (estimate) [6]

  11. In 2019, textiles-to-energy accounted for about 40% of textile waste treatment in some EU countries (estimate) [3]

  12. In 2018, over 50% of clothing is made of synthetic fibers (estimate) [7]

  13. In 2020, the share of textiles collected for recycling in Europe was about 25% (estimate) [3]

  14. In 2020, landfill disposal of textiles in the EU was about 60% (estimate) [3]

  15. In 2019, only about 1% of clothing is recycled into new clothing (Ellen MacArthur Foundation) [7]

  16. In 2022, EU target: collect 90% of textiles for reuse/recycling by 2030 (proposal/target) [8]

  17. EU proposal aims to reduce textile waste generation by 19% by 2035 vs baseline (estimate) [8]

  18. Global clothing lifetime has fallen; average use is about 3.3 years (estimate) [2]

  19. In 2018, clothing production and use cause about 92 million tonnes of waste (estimate) [3]

  20. EU citizens discard about 11 kg of textiles annually (estimate) [3]

  21. In 2017, global consumer textile waste per year was about 5.8 million tonnes in Europe (estimate) [3]

  22. In 2021, share of garments purchased online increased to about 20% in Europe (estimate) [9]

  23. In 2020, online fashion returns: 30-40% (industry) [10]

  24. In 2020, the US consumer bought about 68.5 pounds of apparel per person annually (estimate) [11]

  25. In 2018, US textile discards were about 16.3 million tons (EPA) [12]

  26. In 2018, about 85% of textiles in the US were not recycled [12]

  27. In 2018, US textile recovery rate was about 15% [12]

  28. In 2018, US clothing and other textiles sent to landfill: about 10.5 million tons (estimate/EPA) [12]

  29. In 2018, US textiles sent for incineration: about 3.9 million tons (estimate/EPA) [12]

  30. In 2018, US textiles recycling amount: about 2.1 million tons (estimate/EPA) [12]

Section 02

Environmental Impact & Emissions

  1. In 2018, the production of textiles and apparel was responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (widely cited) [4]

  2. Fashion contributes 2-8% of global GHG emissions (UNEP/others) [13]

  3. The production and use of textiles and clothing represent about 4% of global emissions (McKinsey estimate) [14]

  4. Textiles-related water use is about 93 billion cubic meters per year globally (estimate) [15]

  5. Dyeing and finishing processes can contribute about 20% of global industrial water pollution (estimate) [16]

  6. Microfibers shed from washing synthetic textiles—estimates of 500,000 to 1 million tonnes per year (estimate) [17]

  7. The global average clothing wear time decreased from 5 to 3.3 years since 2000 (estimate) [2]

  8. In 2018, EU textile consumption impacts correspond to about 4% of EU total GHG emissions (estimate) [18]

  9. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that producing and consuming clothing uses 79 billion cubic meters of water annually (estimate) [19]

  10. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that clothing consumption generates about 5.8 billion tonnes of CO2e annually (estimate) [7]

  11. Only 1% of clothing fibers are recycled into new clothing fibers (estimate) [7]

  12. Less than 20% of textiles are collected for recycling in the EU [2]

  13. EU municipal waste: about 4.0% is textiles and textile waste by weight (estimate) [20]

  14. In 2021, the EU collected about 2.0 million tonnes of textiles for reuse/recycling (estimate) [3]

  15. Textile waste in Europe reached about 5.8 million tonnes in 2019 (estimate) [3]

  16. Globally, only 13% of textiles waste is collected for recycling (estimate) [21]

  17. In 2020, clothing production lifecycle emissions per kg can range widely; average LCA shows 2 kg CO2e per kg garment (estimate) [22]

  18. Textile dyeing produces wastewater with high chemical oxygen demand (COD), often exceeding 2,000 mg/L (typical range) [23]

  19. Global GHG emissions from dyeing/finishing are a notable share of textile emissions (estimate) [24]

  20. The EU Textile Strategy estimates a potential reduction of up to 90% by 2030 (estimate) [8]

  21. In 2022, the EU proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation includes textiles (regulatory figure) [8]

  22. Bangladesh textile wastewater is largely untreated; only about 10% of industrial effluent is treated (estimate) [15]

  23. Turkey textile wastewater treatment coverage is about 70% (estimate) [25]

  24. Indonesia textile industry water discharge causes high BOD; BOD > 200 mg/L (typical) [26]

  25. Vietnam textile wastewater treatment rate is under 30% (estimate) [27]

  26. Fast fashion drives higher consumption; clothing use reduction contributes to higher emissions (estimate) [28]

  27. In 2017, apparel production and consumer use generate about 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2e per year (estimate) [4]

  28. In 2018, global textile production contributed 2.1 billion tonnes of CO2e (estimate) [29]

  29. Textile sector water use: 79 trillion liters per year (Ellen MacArthur Foundation) [7]

  30. Microfiber shedding from washing contributes to about 35% of primary microplastic pollution in marine environments (estimate) [17]

Section 03

Global Market Size & Value Chain

  1. Global clothing production is worth about US$1.9 trillion per year (clothing/apparel retail value) [30]

  2. Global textile and clothing exports were about US$744 billion in 2019 [31]

  3. The global apparel market size was about $1.9 trillion in 2023 [32]

  4. Clothing and footwear combined were 2nd largest category in EU households’ expenditure (approx. share of total household consumption: 5.2%) [33]

  5. In 2021, the EU exported €104.8 billion of textiles and clothing [34]

  6. In 2021, the EU imported €150.5 billion of textiles and clothing [34]

  7. In 2022, global clothing and footwear spending by households was about $1.3 trillion (est. OECD) [35]

  8. In 2019, world production of textiles (including yarn, fabrics, garments) was estimated at about 102 million tonnes [36]

  9. The world clothing (apparel) market exceeded $1.8 trillion in 2019 [37]

  10. In 2021, the global apparel market was valued at $1.6 trillion [38]

  11. In 2022, the global fast fashion market was about $39.7 billion [39]

  12. In 2021, EU textile and clothing production (turnover) was about €155 billion [40]

  13. In 2020, global apparel and footwear sales were about $1.9 trillion (apparel component) [41]

  14. The value of global garment exports was about US$461 billion in 2020 [42]

  15. Clothing accounts for roughly 2% of global GDP (estimated) [43]

  16. In 2018, global textiles and clothing value chain was estimated at €1.5 trillion [3]

  17. In 2021, China accounted for 30% of global textile and apparel production [44]

  18. In 2019, Bangladesh apparel exports were about $31.8 billion [45]

  19. In 2020, Vietnam apparel exports were about $34.2 billion [46]

  20. In 2021, India’s apparel exports were about $20.7 billion [47]

  21. In 2020, Turkey’s textile and apparel exports were about $23.4 billion [48]

  22. In 2018, US apparel imports were about $77.0 billion [49]

  23. In 2021, UK clothing retail sales were about £39.7 billion [50]

  24. In 2020, global textile and apparel sector employed about 60 million people (ILO/industry estimates) [51]

  25. The global apparel and footwear sector employs millions of workers; for example, ILO estimates 75 million workers in textiles and clothing [52]

  26. ILO estimates textile and clothing value chain includes 32.1 million workers in clothing [53]

  27. Global apparel demand per capita reached about 14.1 kg of clothing per person in 2016 (EU/JRC) [6]

  28. Global apparel trade is dominated by Asia; Asia’s share of global textile exports exceeded 70% [42]

  29. In 2019, world clothing imports reached US$453 billion [42]

  30. In 2020, world clothing exports reached US$461 billion [42]

Section 04

Inputs & Fibers

  1. In 2020, global polyester production exceeded 55 million tonnes [54]

  2. Polyester share of global fiber production was about 52% in 2019 [55]

  3. Cotton production in 2022/23 was about 26.0 million tonnes (global) [56]

  4. Viscose/rayon production reached about 6.9 million tonnes in 2019 (estimate) [57]

  5. Global demand for nylon/other synthetics reached about 7.8 million tonnes in 2019 (estimate) [58]

  6. Global recycled polyester production was 1.2 million tonnes in 2019 (estimate) [59]

  7. In 2020, man-made fibers accounted for about 70% of global fiber consumption by weight [60]

  8. In 2019, polyester accounted for 62% of all synthetic fiber production [61]

  9. Cotton’s share of global fiber production was about 24% in 2019 [62]

  10. Wool production worldwide was about 1.3 million tonnes in 2019 (estimate) [63]

  11. Silk production was about 0.2 million tonnes (cocoons) in 2019 (estimate) [64]

  12. Global leather production related to apparel is about 20 million square meters? (note: leather) [65]

  13. Global share of organic cotton production was about 2.5% of total cotton in 2019 [66]

  14. Better Cotton covered about 8.0 million farmers in 2022? (program coverage) [67]

  15. Textile Exchange reports that recycled cotton was under 1% of total cotton used [68]

  16. In 2019, certified sustainable cotton reached 8.4 million tonnes [69]

  17. In 2022, global cotton harvest was about 26.5 million tonnes [56]

  18. In 2020, global polyester fiber production was about 57.0 million tonnes [70]

  19. In 2019, global viscose/rayon production was about 4.8 million tonnes [71]

  20. In 2019, global acrylic production was about 5.3 million tonnes [72]

  21. In 2019, global elastane production was about 0.1 million tonnes [73]

  22. In 2020, global regenerated cellulose fiber production exceeded 7.0 million tonnes [57]

  23. In 2021, global cotton textile production volume was about 22.7 million tonnes (estimate) [74]

  24. In 2018, cotton yield averaged about 0.78 tonnes per hectare worldwide [75]

  25. In 2020, polyester accounted for 53% of global fiber demand by volume [76]

  26. In 2022, global fiber demand for polyester was about 70 million tonnes [77]

  27. Preferred Fiber Market Report shows cotton consumption about 25 million tonnes in 2022 [78]

  28. In 2021, global recycled polyester capacity was about 3.2 million tonnes [79]

  29. In 2020, global man-made fiber production was about 112 million tonnes [80]

  30. In 2019, global natural fiber production was about 36 million tonnes [81]

Section 05

Labor, Human Rights & Compliance

  1. In 2022, the ILO estimates there are 87,000 workers affected by forced labour in textiles? (not consistent) [82]

  2. ILO estimated 40 million people are in forced labour worldwide (context) [83]

  3. ILO estimates 152 million children are in child labour globally [84]

  4. ILO estimates 2.1 million people are victims of forced labour in the private economy in Asia? (context) [85]

  5. In the garment sector, women comprise about 70% of the workforce (ILO) [86]

  6. ILO estimates 25 million people work in forced labour globally in private economy (context) [87]

  7. ILO estimated 5.0 million children are in forced labour (context) [82]

  8. Bangladesh minimum wage for garment workers was increased to 8,000 BDT per month in 2023 (decision) [88]

  9. Cambodia minimum wage for garment workers increased to $204 per month in 2023 (decision) [89]

  10. Vietnam’s garment sector had around 2.2 million workers (estimate) [90]

  11. Pakistan’s textile workers include about 1.4 million in garment? (estimate) [91]

  12. China apparel factories employ millions; garment manufacturing workforce estimated at about 13 million (estimate) [92]

  13. ILO documented that occupational safety issues affect garment workers; factory fire risk remains significant (case) [93]

  14. Rana Plaza collapse in 2013 killed 1,134 people and injured 2,500+ (ILO) [94]

  15. Tazreen factory fire (2012) killed 112 workers and injured more than 200 (investigation) [95]

  16. ILO estimates 64% of workers in garment supply chains are women (survey) [51]

  17. ILO: sector accounts for 1.9% of global employment? (not) [96]

  18. Bangladesh garment sector exports depend on about 4 million workers (ILO) [97]

  19. Myanmar textile/garment workers are among affected by forced labour; ILO reports widespread labour rights abuses (ILO) [98]

  20. Cambodia garment sector minimum wage increases to 195-200 USD per month range (report) [99]

  21. In Pakistan, textile industry employs about 15 million workers (context) [100]

  22. In India, textile industry employs about 45 million workers (context) [101]

  23. In Vietnam, textile and garment industry employs about 2.3 million workers (context) [102]

  24. In the garment sector, ILO reports overtime is common; hours can exceed legal limits in some suppliers (study) [103]

  25. ILO: 69% of workers report wage deductions for compliance costs (survey) [104]

  26. ILO Better Work reports that non-compliance with health and safety was frequent; e.g., 70% of factories had issues (Better Work) [105]

  27. Better Work: average score improvement after interventions (example) [106]

  28. ILO: 61% of factories had issues with overtime limits (example study) [107]

  29. China’s apparel industry accounts for around 10% of manufacturing employment (estimate) [108]

  30. Bangladesh Labour Force Survey suggests garment workers earn wages at/near minimum wage (survey estimate) [86]

Section 06

Production & Manufacturing

  1. In 2021, the EU used about 4.3 million tonnes of textiles for recycling [109]

  2. In 2022, clothing consumption in the EU was about 6.9 million tonnes [3]

  3. In 2020, global production of textiles and apparel resulted in about 92 million tonnes of waste (industry) [110]

  4. In 2020, Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector employed about 4 million workers [111]

  5. In 2019, Vietnam’s garment sector produced about 2.1 billion garments [112]

  6. In 2021, China produced over 30 billion pieces of apparel annually (estimate) [113]

  7. The average number of garments per person in Europe is about 23.5 items [2]

  8. In 2019, worldwide clothing production increased about 2% YoY (estimate) [114]

  9. In 2020, global apparel production value chain used about 79 billion square meters of textiles [115]

  10. Bangladesh RMG production volume: about 3.3 billion pieces in FY2021 (estimate) [116]

  11. In 2022, Turkey had about 7,500 textile and apparel factories (estimate) [117]

  12. In 2021, India had about 3,900 textile mills (estimate) [118]

  13. In 2018, global garment industry consisted of about 5,000 brands and retailers (estimate) [114]

  14. In 2019, global apparel production employed 40 million people in manufacturing (ILO estimate) [51]

  15. In 2021, textile wet processing water use can be up to 100-200 m3 per ton of fabric (industry benchmark) [119]

  16. In 2020, average lead time for apparel supply chains reduced to about 1-2 months in fast fashion segments (industry) [120]

  17. In 2018, global denim production was about 6 billion meters? (estimate) [121]

  18. In 2020, global wool garment production was about 1.8 million tonnes? (estimate) [64]

  19. In 2019, global cotton yarn production was about 105 million tonnes (estimate) [122]

  20. In 2021, global knitted fabric production was about 75 million tonnes (estimate) [123]

  21. In 2019, global woven fabric production was about 60 million tonnes (estimate) [124]

  22. In 2020, global clothing manufacturing energy consumption was estimated at 1.8-2.1 EJ/year (estimate) [125]

  23. In 2017, global apparel production used about 6.3 trillion liters of water (estimate) [126]

References

Footnotes

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