Textile firms in the Czech Republic saw a 12 per cent year-on-year growth in the first half of 2014. The Czech Republic has a long history of textile manufacturing for the garment industry. However, the largest firms in the field are chiefly involved in the production of materials not used in clothing but in a number of other industries.

The largest of them, Juta, makes a range of products for the construction and agriculture sectors, as well as technical materials. It exports 80 per cent of its output. The number two, Pegas Nonwovens, produces polypropylene and polyethylene nonwoven textiles for agriculture, construction and for use in the manufacture of hygiene products.

Another of the industry’s big five Kordárna makes technical fabrics for the rubber industry. It saw its revenues climb 13 per cent in the first half of the year. However, while Czech textile firms are enjoying relatively good times, things are not quite so great for the country’s sector, with the segment growing by a relatively low two per cent in the first half of 2014.

The clothing industry has managed to survive some very lean years when local manufacturers tried and failed to compete with cheap imports from Asia. The sector has achieved this by going in for increased specialization.