The employment in the wearing apparel sector in Germany has shown a consistent downward trend from 2013 to 2023, starting with 34.69 thousand FTEs in 2013 and declining to 28.72 thousand FTEs in 2023. This represents a significant reduction in the workforce over this period. The employment declined year-on-year by various percentages, ranging from a reduction of 5.67% in 2015 to a more gradual decline of 0.97% in 2018. More recently, the sector saw a reduction of 2.4% in 2022 and 2.44% in 2023. Over the last five years preceding 2023, the sector experienced an average annual decline (CAGR) of 2.77%.
Forecasts suggest continuing downward trends, with employment expected to fall to 25.25 thousand FTEs by 2028, representing a 2.06% average annual decline over the next five years. This anticipated decline emphasizes the sector's enduring challenges.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements and automation on employment, shifts in consumer behavior towards sustainable fashion, and potential policy changes related to labor and trade that may influence the sector's trajectory.
