With growing demand, apparel imports by the European Union increased significantly for the first time in May 2019. The region imported 371.79 million kg of garments from across the world which is a 13 per cent jump from 329 million kg imported in April this year.

The rise in quantities along with higher unit prices further boosted the value-wise import which stood at € 6,721.86 million (up 11.78 per cent on M-o-M basis). Cumulatively, during the 5-month period, EU imported 1898.98 million kg (up 0.59 per cent) of apparels worth € 34.85 billion, marking 8.56 per cent growth on the yearly note.

Though China, India and Vietnam’s exports to EU declined in quantity during the month, their value increased due to the currency fluctuation and high cost of manufacturing. Though the exports of China declined by 7.26 per cent in volumes, their value increased by 3.44 per cent. Similarly the volume of exports by Vietnam tumbled by 13.39 per cent but their value increased by 14.65 per cent. On the other hand, India’s export value increased by 3.81 per cent while volumes declined by 0.81 per cent.