UK clothing exports declined by 3.69 per cent Y-o-Y to $377 million in June 2024, as demand from Europe weakened, costs rose and competition from Asian markets intensified.

This recent data point underscores a sustained downward trend in UK clothing exports since 2021, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by post-Brexit trade frictions. The quarterly data for Q2, FY24 shows a 6.7 per cent Y-o-Y decline in total clothing exports at $1.09 billion. This is part of a broader trend where total UK goods exports have been declining, with a significant 18 per cent contraction in non-EU exports in June 2024 compared to the previous year.

While clothing exports have struggled, other sectors of the textile industry, such as textile fabrics and fibers, have shown more stability. For example, textile fabric exports declined by 3.6 per cent in June but saw a monthly increase. Similarly, fiber exports also saw a marginal increase.

For the UK textile and apparel industry to rebound, a renewed focus on diversification and value-added strategies is crucial. This is particularly important as the sector grapples with a decline in exports and a shift in consumer behavior toward more mindful consumption.