In 2016, four zones—China, Mediterranean, SAARC and ASEAN—accounted for over 86 per cent of total extra-EU textile and clothing imports.EU-28 imports originating from these groupings primarily related to clothing goods.

The leading position of China as the main supplier of textiles and apparel to the EU has continued to be eroded in 2016 by the increasingly vigorous entry of other production zones. Undeniably, the main beneficiary of this was the SAARC zone, which has grown slowly but steadily since 2010.

In terms of products, China prevailed as the main supplier of woven garments to EU last year. However, China’s share continued to decline to the benefit of South Asian and Mediterranean countries. Concerning imports of knitted garments, China was overtaken by the SAARC zone.

Compared to last year, EU exports’ shares remained stable for the four main defined groupings NAFTA, EFTA, the Mediterranean countries and the group of autonomous countries. These four groups accounted for 58 per cent of extra-EU textile and clothing exports in 2016.

Woven fabrics were the major textiles exported by the EU. The NAFTA zone and the Mediterranean countries were the biggest purchasers of textile goods, while EFTA and NAFTA areas made up the two main buyers of clothing articles.