Global Manufacturing Slowdown in November: Impact on Logistics, Medical, Defense and Industrial Textile Production in Europe

Global manufacturing activity declined again in November across Europe, Asia and the United States. Lower international demand and ongoing tariff disputes continue to affect companies in logistics, healthcare, defense and industrial production.

Businesses depending on industrial cover manufacturing in Europe, textile manufacturing for logistics, and technical medical textile production face delayed orders and increased cost pressures. Meanwhile, demand for military textile manufacturing and custom straps and gear is fluctuating due to irregular procurement cycles.

Structural factors driving the downturn

• Volatile logistic and energy costs, affecting insulated pallet covers and reusable textile transport bags.
• Supply chain relocation (nearshoring/friendshoring) disrupting technical textile production capacity.
• Reduced industrial investment, slowing down made-to-order textile manufacturing and short-run B2B production.

Most affected industries

• Automotive: reduced durable goods demand.
• Electronics: inventory slowdown.
• Logistics: lower freight volumes Europe ↔ Asia.
• Industrial raw materials: declining metal prices.

Opportunities for B2B textile manufacturers

Despite the downturn, demand remains strong for:

• Flexible industrial sewing, ideal for small-batch technical textile production.
• Defense textile production including tactical straps and military-grade components.
• Medical insulated bag manufacturing for hospitals, labs and sample transport.

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