Brasil International Congress 2026 debates innovation and competitiveness in the textile industry
The textile and apparel industry will gather in Fortaleza, Ceará, for the Brasil International Congress 2026. Under the theme “Future in Motion: Transformation, Innovation, and New Realities,” the event will take place on October 14 and 15 at the Fortaleza Convention Center.
The Congress is organized by Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association), together with the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF). The event receives support from Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program), carried out through a partnership between the Association and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).
The schedule will bring together executives, manufacturers, researchers, and leaders from various countries to discuss trends and challenges impacting the global supply chain. Topics include artificial intelligence, circularity, smart materials, digitalization, and production efficiency. Keynotes, presentations, and panel discussions are set to contribute to the debate and support strategic decisions for the future of the sector.
Schedule addresses geopolitics, fibers, and new markets
On October 14, the programming opens with the keynote “Geopolitics and Geoeconomics: Trends in a Changing World.” Following this, the first panel will discuss “The New Geography of Industry and Opportunities for Emerging Economies.”
The day’s agenda also includes a presentation on the “Future of Fibers” and the lecture “Production Models: Speed, Flexibility, and Market Proximity.”
On October 15, the ITMF Awards Session will take place, followed by the panel “Trade and Regulation: The New Landscape.” The agenda further features discussions on shifting market behaviors, as well as Brazil’s capabilities, integrated value chain, and investment opportunities.
Brazil in the spotlight of the global industry
For Fernando Pimentel, Superintendent Director of Abit, the Congress will serve as a space for reflection and path-building for the sector during a period of global transformation. According to him, the gathering also offers an opportunity to strengthen the industry and boost its competitiveness.
The executive highlights the integration of Brazil’s textile and apparel supply chain—ranging from fiber production to retail — as a key competitive edge for the country. He also stresses the importance of considering how changes affect workers: the Brazilian industry accounts for 1.34 million direct jobs.
“Aligning innovation and productivity with inclusion and prosperity is essential,” states Pimentel, advocating that competitiveness and social responsibility must advance together.
Gathering expands international connections
The partnership with the ITMF and the IAF expands the international reach of this edition, according to Lilian Kaddissi, Superintendent of Marketing and Business at Abit. The goal is to bring together strategic partners and strengthen dialogue among global representatives across the textile and apparel value chain.
Julieta Pagliuca, Business Development and Events Manager at Abit, has accompanied the Congress since its first edition. For her, co-hosting the event with both international entities represents a milestone in its trajectory and contributes to a program tightly connected to the industry’s current challenges.
About Abit
The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), founded on February 21, 1957, is one of the most important entities among the country’s economic sectors. It represents the productive power of 25.7 thousand companies installed throughout the national territory, of all sizes, which employ more than 1.34 million workers and generate, together, an annual revenue (in 2024) of BRL 221 billion.
About Texbrasil
The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with companies in the textile and apparel sector to develop strategies to conquer the global market. Over more than 25 years, it has assisted about 2,000 brands to enter the export track, generating US$ 11 billion in business. The Program is conducted through a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).
To participate, companies must fill out this form or contact the Relationship department: texbrasil@abit.org.br.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors <u>of the Brazilian economy. To achieve these objectives</u>, ApexBrasil carries out diversified trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and enhancing the value of Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business roundtables, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, and visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to get to know the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen brand Brazil.
The <u>Agency</u> also works in coordination with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for developing the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.
Learn more about ApexBrasil.