Did you know the textile sector has been essential to the Indian economy? The textile sector employs about 28% of India's organised manufacturing sector alone. Also, the clothing industry, also known as the garment industry, refers to the various trades and industries involved in the production and value chain of clothing and garments, beginning with the textile industry, embellishment with embroidery, progressing through the fashion industry to apparel retailers, and ending with trade with second-hand clothes and textile recycling.
In terms of exploration values, garment export data indicates that in the first quarter (July-September), or three months of the current fiscal year 2023-24, items worth $13.69 billion were exported. In this blog, we will explore the top garment export countries and garment exporter data for 2023-24.
Why is the clothing industry important?
We all wear clothes, some created by renowned designers and others by everyday people. We all spent our childhood days dreaming about the perfect bridal gown, or weeks, if not months, looking for the right dress for our prom night, complete with matching shoes. Most of us recognise that the way we dress is, in most situations, our first impression, a reflection of our personality, and an indication of our likes and dislikes.
The fashion sector is the most glamorous and underappreciated of all industries, yet it is equally crucial. Almost everyone is a direct fashion consumer, whether they shop at a store or go to flea markets. It creates career chances for qualified, untrained, skilled, and unskilled individuals worldwide. The apparel business contributes significantly to the global economy.
The fact is that the fashion industry will always exist. It will change and adapt, and it will follow market trends. However, it will never go away since fashion feeds a fundamental aspect of each individual: how we are regarded.
Overview of Garment Export Data: 2023-24
Garment Export Data reports that in the first quarter (July-September), or three months of the current fiscal year 2023-24, items worth $13.69 billion were exported. This export is 9.51 percent higher than the same period last year (July through September). During this period, garment exports totalled $11.62 billion, a 13% increase over the previous year.
According to Garment Trade Data, the garment sector substantially contributes to clothing exports and domestic shares, accounting for almost 7% of industrial output, 2% of GDP, and 15% of overall garment export revenues.
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Based on Garment Exporters Data, total export revenues for last year's July–September quarter were $12.50 billion. However, in the first month (July) of the current fiscal year, export income climbed by 15.26%. The garment export market has expanded dramatically in recent decades due to globalisation and technical advancements.
As a result, several countries, including China, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Turkey, have emerged as significant players in the global apparel export market. Now, look at the world's largest garment exporting countries.
Top 10 Garment Export Countries
Based on garment exporting countries 2022 statistics, the global clothing industry is a substantial economic force, worth more than $1.5 trillion. However, the world's top 10 garment export countries are China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkey, India, Italy, Indonesia, Turkey, Cambodia, Germany, Italy, and the United States. Let's explore them one by one:
1. China: China is the world's biggest garment exporter, accounting for 31.7% of the worldwide market share. Its vast manufacturing capacity, backed by a large workforce and efficient supply chains, positions it as a dominant player in the industry. China has long been a global leader in garment exports, boasting a broad and diverse manufacturing industry. Its competitive edge stems from its large-scale industrial capability, technological infrastructure, and extensive supply chain. The Chinese textile and garment industries manufacture a wide range of clothing, from quick fashion to high-end couture.
2. Bangladesh: Bangladesh has emerged as a world top garments exporter country with a thriving garment sector. Its advantages include low labour costs and a considerable workforce, making it a competitive location for many international apparel manufacturers. International fashion businesses have been drawn to the country's reduced labour costs and a strong emphasis on creating high-quality clothing at low rates. The government is particularly well-known for its knitwear production capabilities.
3. Vietnam: Vietnam, a rapidly growing top garment export country, has seen its sector thrive in recent years. The country benefits from its proximity to key markets such as China and Southeast Asia and its emphasis on attracting foreign investment. The government has also profited from several free trade agreements, making it an appealing destination for global fashion manufacturers seeking to diversify their sourcing.
4. Turkey: Turkey, known for its high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship, is a significant supplier of ready-made clothing, particularly knitwear and denim. It has a robust textile and garment industry noted for its high-quality goods and quick response times. Its strategic location between Europe and Asia positions it as a significant player in the global clothing trade. Also, its unique location as a bridge between Europe and Asia helps it succeed in exports.
5. India: India has a strong textile industry, and the list of top Garment Export Countries Today, it is the world's fourth-largest garment exporter, making substantial contributions to the worldwide fashion scene. India has a diverse range of clothing to cater to different market sectors. From basic cotton t-shirts and trousers to intricately embroidered sarees and high-end fashion clothing, the country's output caters to diverse preferences and budgets.
6. Italy: With its iconic fashion brands and recognised textile prowess, Italy is a significant exporter of high-end clothes. The country is renowned for its emphasis on quality, design, and innovation. According to Export Import data, the Italian textile sector is heavily export-oriented, totaling USD 36.57 billion. The country's garment sector is distinguished by artistry, design expertise, and a strong emphasis on quality, contributing to its global status as a fashion hotspot.
7. Germany: While Germany is not as well-known for its garment exports as other European countries, it is nevertheless a significant player. The country specialises in technical fabrics and high-performance clothing. According to garment export data for 2022, Germany is one of the leading exporters of equipment, synthetic yarn, and knitted garment fabric worth $38.99 billion. German manufacturers are well-known for their emphasis on precision, technology, and sustainability, which makes their products popular in international markets.
8. Cambodia: Cambodia has also emerged as the biggest garment export countries list, drawing attention for its low-cost labour and duty-free access to key markets. The industry has played an essential role in the country's economic growth. Thanks to its rapidly increasing apparel sector, Cambodia has recently emerged as a significant exporter. The country benefits from low labour costs and its closeness to key Southeast Asian markets.
9. Indonesia: Indonesia, another Southeast Asian country with a thriving garment industry, supplies various textile products. The country's significant workforce and strategic location attract numerous worldwide clothing firms. Its vast and talented workforce serves multiple fashion markets, from casual wear to sportswear.
10. United States of America: Despite being a central fashion hub, the United States ranks lower than India in garment export volume, owing to more significant production costs and a smaller workforce committed to apparel manufacturing. The USA is an internationally competitive producer and exporter of textile raw materials, textiles, yarns, garments, home furnishings, and other textile products. According to global trade data, the United States is the eighth largest textile exporter, with an export value of USD 27.14 billion.
So, these are the top 10 garment export countries that contribute to the global clothing industry. Each country has distinct strengths and capabilities, making the garment trade a diverse and dynamic industry. These countries have the resources, talents, and facilities to manufacture high-quality clothes at a reasonable cost. As demand for textiles rises, these countries are expected to remain key players in the global garment sector.
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Conclusion
The global garment industry is dynamic and varied, with numerous countries playing critical roles in shaping its future. Each country contributes to the intricate international trade network, from China's manufacturing powerhouses to Bangladesh and Vietnam's cost-effective production hubs. As we have investigated the biggest garment export countries, it is clear that skilled labour, technological infrastructure, and strategic positioning are critical to success in this business.
However, if you need any kind of assistance regarding garment export countries statistics, you can connect with Eximpedia’s data-driven dashboard anytime. Our data experts are always available to provide you with updated market insights globally. To schedule a free live demo, connect today with Eximpedia.app and expand your business in the global market.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)
Q1. Which country is the largest exporter of garments?
China is the world's largest garment exporter by a substantial margin. In 2022, China shipped almost $176 billion worth of garments, accounting for nearly 31.7% of worldwide garment exports.
Q2. Who is the biggest importer of garments?
The top three importers of readymade clothing are the United States (861,598 shipments), India (728,165), and the United Arab Emirates (415,910 shipments).
Q3. What countries import the most clothing?
According to Global Trade Data, the United States is the world's largest importer of clothes, accounting for almost 20% of total imports. Other countries that import a large amount of clothing include Canada, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Q4. Which country is the largest exporter of garments 2023?
Here is a list of the top exporting countries in the textile and apparel industries:
- China
- Germany
- Bangladesh
- Vietnam
- India
- Italy
- Turkey
- United States of America
- Hong Kong, China.
- Spain
