According to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro, Europe supplied $***.*** million, accounting for **.** per cent of Hungary’s total apparel imports during January–August ****. This deep reliance on the region mirrors the broader shift across Central and Eastern Europe, where retailers and importers increasingly prioritise shorter lead times, predictable regulations and reduced logistical risks. With freight routes through Ukraine and the Black Sea still vulnerable, Hungary continues to favour established EU suppliers such as Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Romania and Slovakia.

Imports from the Asia-Pacific region reached $***.*** million, representing **.** per cent of Hungary’s trade. While China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Vietnam have been expanding their presence, their combined share remains significantly lower compared to Western European markets, which typically source more heavily from Asia. The region’s modest gain from last year reflects competitive pricing and growing EU–ASEAN linkages, but Hungary’s geographic and logistical orientation keeps Europe firmly in the lead. Shipments from the Middle East totalled $**.*** million, making up *.** per cent of apparel imports.

This is an important milestone, as the EU and the members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) represent 32 per cent of global GDP and 37 per cent of global trade. The EU-CPTPP Trade and Investment Dialogue will cover result-oriented cooperation between the two blocs in five key areas: trade diversification, digital trade, trade and investment facilitation, supply chain resilience, and the global trade environment, including World Trade Organization reform, the European Commission said in a press release.

The EU and twelve CPTPP members launched the first EU-CPTPP Trade and Investment Dialogue.
Together representing major shares of global GDP and trade, they will cooperate on diversification, digital trade, facilitation, supply chain resilience, and global trade rules.
Maros Sefcovic also met Australian ministers to advance bilateral trade ties and critical minerals cooperation.

“As the world’s largest trading bloc (with a global trade share of close to 16 per cent), the EU remains committed to an open, rules-based and stable trade environment. Our reinforced cooperation with CPTPP partners therefore speaks volumes about the importance of our shared approach to trade. But this goes beyond a symbolic signal, as we are now set to focus our efforts on clear, mutually beneficial results across the five priority areas,” EU commissioner for trade and economic security Maros Sefcovic said.

On the margins, Sefcovic held a bilateral meeting with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell to review the teams’ work on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. He also exchanged with Australian Minister for Resources Madeleine King on accelerating EU-Australia cooperation on critical minerals, focusing on real, timely projects. This cooperation is central to our economic security agenda, with Australia’s strong capacity and shared high standards seen as key assets.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)