The volume of European Union clothing imports rose 6.62 per cent during the first five months of 2018. However, the value of imports fell 2.10 per cent. Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU rose 0.83 per cent year on year. Meanwhile, Turkey is impressively expanding its share in the European market due to its close proximity. Though volumes are not as high as Bangladesh’s, Turkey is shipping more value-added garments to the European Union.

Indian apparel exports to the EU fell 3.58 per cent in value terms and marked a marginal growth of 0.49 per cent in volumes. The country’s inability to take advantage of the rupee depreciation of around six per cent against the euro hurt exports big time. Further, the absence of a free trade agreement with the EU is clearly making products manufactured in India non-competitive as compared to countries like Bangladesh which get trade benefits by the EU.

Vietnam’s apparel exports to the EU are on the up but only in volumes. The value of exports declined massively by 26.09 per cent. However, growth prospects for Vietnam are bright due to the upcoming free trade agreement with the European Union.