Trends in world textile and clothing trade, January-February 2002

published in Issue 97, January 2002   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

World textile and clothing trade rose by about 7% in 2000. The rise in textile trade reversed two years of decline. Textile trade was boosted by a 15% rise in exports from Asia to North America, a 17% increase in intra-Asian trade, and a 29% surge in exports from North America to Latin America. Clothing trade was lifted by a 15% rise in exports from Asia to North America, 17% growth in intra-Asian trade and a 23% increase in exports from Latin America to North America. In both textiles and clothing the strong growth in intra-Asian trade reflects the region?s recovery from the Asian financial crisis. Only intra-West European trade declined?in textiles as well as in clothing.

The US textile and clothing trade deficit rose by another 13% in 2000 to US$62.50 bn?92% of which was in clothing. The EU deficit also increased, but by only 5%. Moreover, at US$33.57 bn, it was still only 54% of the US figure?even though the two markets are similar in size. The UK alone accounted for 34% of the EU total. China continued to have the world?s biggest textile and clothing trade surplus. South Korea, in second place, overtook Italy as its exporters took advantage of the depreciation of the Won. But Italy?s third position is still commendable for a country with some of the world?s highest labour costs. Portugal, an EU country with lower labour costs than Hong Kong and Taiwan, managed to retain its surplus in 2000. But the surplus was lower than in 1999. Turkey?s surplus also declined in 2000?for the second year running?as the country faced intensified competition from Asian countries.

China was the world?s leading textile exporter in 2000 while Germany dropped from third to sixth. The USA was the largest textile importer, but China ranked as high as third. China is also the world?s leading clothing exporter, although six developed countries still rank among the top 15 players. The USA is by far the biggest importer of clothing.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (97) now	Subscribe

Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of expert comment and analysis. A subscription provides an overview of the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. It is essential reading for senior executives in the fibre, textile and apparel industries ? and for anyone who is not involved in the industry, but needs to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues.
Reports in Textile Outlook International include:
	country profiles ? providing a comprehensive guide to the textile and clothing industries in a range of countries and regions. The reports include an economic and political profile together with a comprehensive overview of the main issues, plus an outlook for the future.
	company profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others. Companies profiled recently include retailers, manufacturers, innovators and sourcing companies involved in textiles and apparel as well as smaller companies which illustrate the opportunities for firms which are interested in selected sourcing locations.
	trends in world textile and apparel trade and production ? taking into account current issues facing the industry ? such as global fibre prices; competition from China and other low cost countries; the elimination of quotas and imposition of selective new ones; relocation of production operations; the impact of economic factors affecting trade; international trade agreements; trade promotion agreements (TPAs); and much more.
	trends in EU and US imports of textiles and clothing ? providing comprehensive statistical data and analysis of the top ten supplying countries to the EU and US markets. These reports are updated each year and contain value and volume data as well as average prices and analyses of trends for up to 15 product categories.
	innovations, technological developments, business development opportunities, individual sector analysis and political implications which affect players in the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. Some of the topics which have been covered in recent reports include: new innovations in the textile and clothing industry, such as environmentally friendly textiles, plant based fibres, and developments in textile colorants; innovations in textile machinery; and overviews of the European swimwear, hosiery and lingerie markets.
So whether you are involved in fibres, textiles or clothing ? in manufacturing, spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, import/export, retailing ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance, a subscription to Textile Outlook International will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Textile Outlook International is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 6 printed publications a year, containing a total of 30 reports plus editorials written by Robin Anson, our editorial director and in-house industry expert.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility.