EU apparel exports jump by 10% in first half of 2017

In the first half of 2017, EU textile and apparel imports have remained stable, except for an explosion in imports from Myanmar, while exports have increased, posting a 10% rise for apparel and a 4% one for textiles.

According to figures published by the French Fashion Institute (IFM), EU apparel exports in the first six months of the year were worth €12.05 billion. Exports to Asian countries were significantly on the rise (+6.5%, worth €3.05 billion), compensating the downturn in the Mediterranean rim (-3%, down to €957 million). The most significant increases were recorded in Switzerland, Russia and Norway, ahead of Australia, the Ukraine and Israel.

As for textiles, EU exports grew 4%, reaching €15.7 billion, with exports to Asia increasing by 5%, to €10.1 billion. Significant increases were recorded towards India, the USA, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Morocco and especially Australia and South Africa.

In terms of imports, the value of EU apparel purchases remained stable at €38.75 billion. There were few double-digit variations among the leading supplier countries, excepting Indonesia, down 11%, and especially Myanmar, whose exports skyrocketed, increasing 58% to €405 million, making the Asian country the EU's twelfth supplier ahead of Switzerland.

For textiles, EU imports grew by 4% in the same period, to €15.7 billion, notably driven by a 5% rise in imports from Asia, altogether worth €10.1 billion. India was third in the EU suppliers' ranking, up 8%, followed by Pakistan, whose EU exports' value rose 5%, while Japan's textile exports were up 10%. The most dynamic EU supplier country for textiles is South Africa, which stepped up its pace after jumping 25% last year, and on a six-month basis increased by 39%, up to €98 million.

EU apparel exports jump by 10% in first half of 2017

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