Brazil is the sixth largest textile and clothing producer in the world.
Textiles and clothing are, in turn, important to Brazil’s economy. In
2004 the total production value of the textile and clothing sector was
equivalent to 4.1% of Brazilian GDP. Its made-up sector—comprising
clothing, hosiery and home linen—is second in size only to the service
industries.
After dramatic job cuts during the 1990s, employment in the textile
and clothing industry reached a low point in 2002. Since then,
however, it appears to have recovered and by 2005 it had reached
1.5 mn. The clothing sector is dominated by small enterprises, which
produce an average of less than 20,000 pieces per month each.
Despite continuing problems related to the country’s debt, global
confidence in Brazil’s economy is growing. Total foreign direct
investment in Brazil jumped from US$10.1 bn in 2003 to US$18.2 bn
in 2004. Investment in the industry itself reached US$17.4 bn between
1990 and 2005. For the period between 2006 and 2008, investment is
forecast to reach US$4.7 bn—which does not include a forthcoming
project for developing polyester fibre production.
Unlike highly industrialised countries which have already optimised
their textile and clothing industries, Brazil can still do much to
advance and strengthen its position. A lot will depend, however, on
government policies.

Brazil is the sixth largest textile and clothing producer in the world.
Textiles and clothing are, in turn, important to Brazil’s economy. In
2004 the total production value of the textile and clothing sector was
equivalent to 4.1% of Brazilian GDP. Its made-up sector—comprising
clothing, hosiery and home linen—is second in size only to the service
industries.
After dramatic job cuts during the 1990s, employment in the textile
and clothing industry reached a low point in 2002. Since then,
however, it appears to have recovered and by 2005 it had reached
1.5 mn. The clothing sector is dominated by small enterprises, which
produce an average of less than 20,000 pieces per month each.
Despite continuing problems related to the country’s debt, global
confidence in Brazil’s economy is growing. Total foreign direct
investment in Brazil jumped from US$10.1 bn in 2003 to US$18.2 bn
in 2004. Investment in the industry itself reached US$17.4 bn between
1990 and 2005. For the period between 2006 and 2008, investment is
forecast to reach US$4.7 bn—which does not include a forthcoming
project for developing polyester fibre production.
Unlike highly industrialised countries which have already optimised
their textile and clothing industries, Brazil can still do much to
advance and strengthen its position. A lot will depend, however, on
government policies.