Despite growing public opposition and widespread calls to end fur farming, the European Union remains heavily involved in the global fur trade.

In 2023, EU countries exported over $730 million in raw furskins and more than $500 million in fur clothing, much of it produced and processed within the bloc. Finland remains a major exporter of raw pelts, while Italy dominates exports of finished fur garments. The EU also imported hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of fur products, with France and Italy leading in luxury consumption.

These figures stand in stark contrast to rising public demand for a fur-free future, as demonstrated by the Fur Free Europe citizens’ initiative.