December 2025, UKRLEGPROM

TCLF in Ukraine during Wartime

The Ukrainian TCLF industry is a multi-sector production complex encompassing 17 sub-sectors, in-cluding the manufacturing of textiles, knitwear, apparel, footwear, hosiery, natural and artificial fur, leather, leather goods, accessories, and other products. Historically, the textile sector has always remained a vital component of Ukraine’s economy.

Following the restoration of independence in 1991, Ukraine inherited a strong production base, present in nearly every region of the country. At that time, the volume of manufactured products was estimated at USD 15 billion — over 10% of the country’s industrial output. The sector employed more than 750,000 people, and domestic enterprises fully met the country’s internal demand for textiles.

However, the transition to a market economy was accompanied by a severe economic crisis, which dealt a significant blow to the TCLF sector. Production plummeted, while the lack of a domestic raw material base and the closure of some factories created additional challenges. Despite gradual recovery, Ukrainian production remained insufficient even to satisfy domestic demand.

Under these conditions, companies began entering European markets, mostly operating under the CMP model (production using supplied materials). Some companies remained focused on domestic production of fabrics and apparel. Over time, new modern enterprises emerged in the country, oriented toward sus-tainability, resource efficiency, and transparent business processes.

It was precisely during this period of gradual industry growth that February 2022 arrived.