The world’s top three textile and apparel exporters are China, Bangladesh and Vietnam. India also produces and exports a large amount of garments. Indian media outlet The Indian Express has reported such information on Saturday (August 9).
The report said that the apparel industry accounts for a large part of international trade. Every year, the sector generates billions of dollars in business, and exports to all over the world especially to the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
The apparel industry employs about 45 million people worldwide. It plays a significant role in the world’s fastest-growing economy.
The report provides detailed information on how much US dollars the world’s top 10 exporting countries exported in 2023 and 2024.
China, which tops the list, exported worth $260.8 billion in 2023 and $301 billion in 2024. With advanced technology, large factories, and low production costs, China produces all types of textiles and exports them to almost every country in the world. Their main markets are the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh is in second place. Bangladesh mainly produces T-shirts, shirts and trousers and supplies garments to international brands such as Walmart, Zara and H&M. Due to its large production capacity and cheap labor, Bangladesh has maintained its competitiveness in the US and European markets. Bangladesh exported worth $48.9 billion in 2023 and $38.48 billion in 2024.
Vietnam, which ranks third, exported worth $42.1 billion in 2023 and $44 billion in 2024. Vietnam is particularly skilled in the production of knitwear, sportswear and jackets. Fast delivery, various free trade agreements and environmentally friendly factories have made it a reliable partner for the United States, Japan, South Korea and Europe.
Turkey is in fourth place on the list. They export denim, towels, home fabrics and high-quality cotton garments. Being close to Europe, they can deliver products quickly. Germany, the UK and Italy are their main buyers. This country earned $38.6 billion in 2023 and $35.7 billion in 2024 from exports.
India is in fifth place. India’s major exports are garments, yarn, and household goods. These include yarn, silk, jute, wool, and synthetic fabrics. These products are shipped to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and Germany. The country earned $37.5 billion in 2023 and $36.61 billion in 2024 from this sector.
Then, Italy, which is in sixth place, exported clothing worth $37.1 billion in 2023, however, the income for 2024 was not available. They emphasize luxury fabrics, designer clothing, and high-quality wool. Their products are very popular with big brands for their craftsmanship and artistry.
Germany in 7th place exported $20.7 billion in 2023 and also the income for 2024 was not available. Germany produces high-tech textiles, which are used in sectors such as construction, healthcare and the automotive industry. They are leading the technical textiles market in China, the US and Europe due to innovative research and precision engineering.
The United States imports a large amount of clothing. The country also exports clothing to other countries. In 2023, the income of Americans from the clothing industry was $21.8 billion and in 2024, it earned $22.6 billion. Their position is eighth in the world. The country mainly produces technical fabrics, denim, and industrial materials. These products are typically used in the defense, medical, and automotive industries. Mexico, Canada, and China are its main buyers.
In ninth place is Pakistan, another South Asian country. The country earned $18.4 billion and $16.6 billion from the sector in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The main export products of Pakistan’s garment industry are garments, towels, bed sheets and cotton products. Countries like the US, UK and Germany are their main markets due to the country’s strong cotton cultivation and affordable production costs.
In tenth place on the list is Spain. The country exported worth $14.6 billion and $21 billion in 2024. Spain produces home textiles, technical materials and fashionable clothing. They have a reputation as a fashion-conscious country thanks to brands such as Zara and Mango. France, Italy and Germany are their main markets.
