
Tekstil Business Magazine interviewed Swiss Textile Machinery Secretary General Cornelia Buchwalder for the June issue of our magazine. Main topics on the agenda were eco-friendly technologies and digitization, wide presence in global markets and the efforts of Swiss textile machinery members to meet regulations and standards.
Our interview started with a brief overview on Swiss Textile Machinery Association which followed by the participation in global exhibitions around the globe in 2025.
-The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is the umbrella organization representing Switzerland’s textile machinery companies. With 42 member firms, our network spans the full textile value chain—from spinning and weaving to finishing, nonwovens, embroidery, and quality control systems. Our core mission is to support our members in navigating a complex and competitive global market. We focus on expanding access to both established and emerging markets, supporting innovation, and fostering sustainability as a central driver of growth. Our members are active in leading textile-producing countries such as China, India, and Türkiye, while we are also developing engagement in markets like Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Mexico.
-In 2025, we are organizing visits to Morocco and participating in ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore to deepen international collaboration. We also prioritise education and skills development. Through partnerships with institutions such as the Swiss Textile College and European universities, we help prepare the next generation of engineers and technicians for an increasingly digital and sustainable textile industry.
A major emphasis further was made on the export figures of Swiss textile machinery manufacturers in the past year specifically for Turkey.
-2024 was marked by adjustment and cautious investment. While Swiss textile machinery manufacturers are known for their resilience, broader economic uncertainty placed pressure on capital spending. Switzerland does not publish official production data, but export figures offer a reliable indicator of market performance. In 2024, textile machinery exports declined by 17.7% compared to the previous year, totalling CHF 424.2 million. Key markets such as Germany, China, India, the U.S., and Türkiye remained significant, though Türkiye experienced a notable drop of 27.6%. At the same time, countries like Thailand, Egypt, and Indonesia showed promising growth between 12% and 20%, though these gains are not sufficient to compensate for the declines in the main markets.
During the next chapter of our interview, advanced machinery and technologies to support circular textile production, and artificial intelligence and robotics for more productive and efficient production processes highlighted. Besides, expansion in global markets and the expectations from 2025 were stated as the following headlines.
-Swiss textile machinery manufacturers are at the forefront of integrating sustainability and digital innovation into industrial solutions. With increasing regulatory and consumer pressure for cleaner and more efficient production, these areas have become strategic imperatives. On the sustainability side, companies are introducing low-energy spinning machines, water-saving dyeing systems, and advanced fibre-recycling technologies to support circular textile production. These developments significantly reduce environmental impact across the production process. Digitalisation is driving greater operational efficiency through AI-powered automation, predictive maintenance, and smart systems that adapt in real time. Robotics and integrated data platforms are also improving quality and productivity. This combination of eco-conscious and digitally advanced machinery positions Swiss manufacturers as leaders in the next generation of textile production.
Expansion in Global Markets
Facilitating global expansion is one of our key strategic goals. We support members by helping them navigate market access challenges, including changing trade policies and regulatory barriers. We also coordinate collective participation in major exhibitions like ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore, where members can showcase their latest innovations and connect with international clients. Beyond exhibitions, we foster targeted bilateral initiatives. For example, our upcoming visit to Morocco in 2025 is part of our commitment to building deeper industry relationships in emerging textile hubs. Through these efforts, we help ensure that Swiss textile machinery companies remain visible, relevant, and competitive in evolving global markets.
Expectations from 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be a year of modest and uneven recovery for the global textile machinery sector. Investment remains subdued due to persistent overcapacity and geopolitical uncertainties. While some regional markets may show signs of stabilisation, many companies are still facing weak demand and are approaching new investments cautiously. That said, we see long-term opportunities in the continued push toward automation, digital efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing. As regulatory standards on emissions and resource use tighten worldwide, demand for high-quality, compliant technologies will grow. Swiss manufacturers, known for their precision and reliability, are well placed to meet this demand. As an association, we will continue to support our members by promoting innovation, advocating for favourable trade conditions, and strengthening our global partnerships.