Technical textile exports from the EU grew 2.4 per cent during 2016, says Euratex. It accounted for 38 per cent of total textile exports by the EU last year. The major importer was the US, which purchased 20 per cent of total technical textile exports by the EU. Menswear exports from the EU were 23 per cent of total apparel exports by the EU. Switzerland, the major menswear importer from the EU, saw a drop in value of imports by 3.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, the EU witnessed double-digit growth in value-wise menswear exports to South Korea, Australia, Serbia, Mexico, Israel and Ukraine. Trousers, shirts and coats were the top exported products in the menswear category with a share of 32 per cent, 19 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

Menswear imports also jumped during the year. The share of menswear imports in value terms was 28 per cent, whereas volume-wise it contributed 25 per cent to total apparel imports by the EU. Menswear imports soared 0.5 per cent in value and 4.4 per cent in volume terms. During 2016, imports of womenswear too improved significantly. The segment improved by 0.8 per cent, contributing 36 per cent to total apparel imports by the EU. China, Bangladesh and Turkey were the top exporters of womenswear to the EU.