Portugal 2025 Trade Mission
Abit promotes strategic internationalization agenda for the Brazilian textile industry in Portugal
Brazilian entrepreneurs from the textile and apparel industry took part in the Portugal 2025 Trade Mission, held in Porto from May 26 to 30. The event focused on expanding the exchange of knowledge, fostering business opportunities and strengthening the presence of the Brazilian textile industry in one of the main production hubs of the European Union.
The mission was conducted by Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program), a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), reinforcing the institutional role of the program in supporting the internationalization of companies in the industry.
Over the course of five days filled with activities, the delegation — made up of 15 representatives of Brazilian companies — explored the Portuguese textile ecosystem, through activities that included technical visits, institutional meetings and participation in the iTechStyle Summit – 7th International Textile and Apparel Conference, promoted by CITEVE (Technological Centre for Textile and Clothing of Portugal).
“We participated in a conference with more than 400 professionals, discussing key issues for the future of the textile industry, such as the circular economy, new materials, international regulation, technical textiles and productivity. It is impressive to see how the challenges faced by Brazil and Europe are connected, opening space for real cooperation”, said Fernando Pimentel, interim president of Abit, who accompanied the delegation.
The technical visits included leading companies in the textile chain, such as Valérius, specialized in industrial recycling and development of sustainable products; Érius, an apparel company focused on international brands; the traditional Manuel Gonçalves (TMG), which operates in fashion, technical textiles and products for the automotive industry; in addition to WEG, a supplier of motors and industrial solutions for the textile industry.
“Portugal is a consolidated hub, with annual revenues exceeding 8 billion euros and exports of around 6 billion euros. The north of the country concentrates public policies, innovative companies and research centers that form a replicable integration model. The exchange was extremely enriching and strategic for all involved”, adds Pimentel.
The mission also represented the first step in a new Brazil-Portugal trade integration agenda, focusing on the Mercosur-European Union Agreement and the creation of a permanent bridge between institutions, companies and technology centers in the two countries.
“Our intention is to hold regular meetings — annually or biannually — alternating between Brazil and Portugal, bringing together businesspeople, universities and research centers. This coordination creates a continuous flow of technical and market cooperation. Now is the time to transform this knowledge into action”, concludes the executive.
The Portugal 2025 Trade Mission reinforces Texbrasil’s commitment to offering qualified international experiences to Brazilian companies, aligned with competitiveness, market intelligence and institutional relationships — essential pillars for the consolidation of the national fashion and textile industry in global markets.
