Ukraine's textile, apparel, leather, and footwear sectors continue to play a vital role in the national economy, showcasing innovation, adaptability, and international competitiveness. Despite ongoing challenges, these industries demonstrate strong market potential, attract global partnerships, and highlight Ukraine's rich cultural heritage in craftsmanship and design.
Ukraine's textile industry consists of approximately 510 companies, employing around 23,000 individuals. In 2024, the textile finishing segment ranked 25th in Europe, generating €11.1 million in revenue. This ranking positions Ukraine as a notable player in the European textile market, benefiting from cost-effective production, skilled labor, and strategic geographical proximity to key markets.
Ukraine's leather and footwear sector includes 339 companies, employing around 22,500 workers. Over 30% of Ukrainian footwear manufacturers produce for renowned global brands, solidifying the country’s reputation as a reliable and high-quality production hub.
Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, Ukraine’s textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industries remain resilient, fueled by innovation, skilled labor, and strong international demand. These sectors are expected to continue evolving, further enhancing Ukraine’s position in the global fashion and manufacturing landscape.
Ukrainian Fashion Week (UFW) held in Kyiv in February 2025 marked a significant milestone as the first event since the conflict began. This event showcased the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian designers, further cementing their international acclaim. UFW in February 2025 continued to demonstrate the strength and creativity of Ukrainian designers who have gained global recognition. The event served as an important step in the recovery and development of Ukraine's fashion industry, even amid challenging circumstances. The return of Ukrainian Fashion Week serves as a testament to the nation's resilience and cultural vitality amidst ongoing challenges.
Ukrainian designers have showcased their work on international platforms, including Paris Fashion Week, where brands like Litkovska, Anna October, Ruslan Baginskiy, Bevza, and Bobkova presented collections emphasizing heritage and resilience. This international presence amplifies Ukraine's cultural influence and highlights the global appeal of its fashion industry. Well-known brands like Zara, Hugo Boss, Laura Ashley, Decathlon, Triumph, New Look, Lener Cordier and others are already cooperating with Ukrainian manufacturers.
Stakeholders
Ukrlegprom – Ukrainian Association of enterprises of textile & leather industry plays a pivotal role in the development and international integration of Ukraine's textile and leather sectors. Established in 2000, the association unites over 250 leading enterprises, collectively accounting for more than 60% of the country's light industry production.