The European Union’s (EU) apparel imports dropped by 15.48 per cent year on year (YoY) in January this year to €7.03 billion ($8.15 billion), according to data from Eurostat.

This was driven by an 8.36-per cent YoY decline in import volume and a 7.76-per cent YoY decrease in average unit prices.

The EU’s apparel imports fell by 15.48 per cent YoY in January to €7.03 billion, according to Eurostat.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell to €1.43 billion in January—a 25.25-per cent drop in value.
China remained the top exporter of apparel to the EU (€2.22 billion), but still saw a 6.9-per cent decline YoY in value.
India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Cambodia also remained in negative territory.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the bloc fell to €1.43 billion in January—a sharp 25.25-per cent drop in value. It saw a 17.49-per cent YoY decrease in the quantity of goods shipped, coupled with a 9.41 per cent drop in the unit price per kilogram.

China remained the top exporter of apparel to the EU (€2.22 billion), but still saw a 6.9-per cent decline YoY in value. Its unit prices dropped by 8.01 per cent YoY, while its export volume grew a bit by 1.21 per cent YoY.

Turkey faced a severe hit with a 29.12-per cent YoY decrease in apparel export value to the EU in the month, totaling €619.98 million.

Other countries like India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Cambodia remained in negative territory, reflecting a broad-based slowdown in the European fashion retail market.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) has recorded strong early momentum following the launch of island-wide special customs operations, with total import and export value surpassing ¥80 billion (~$11.6 billion) in the first 100 days, marking a 32.9 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase.

Official data showed that 186 transactions were completed under the zero-tariff policy, covering goods worth nearly ¥1.7 billion (~$236 million), reflecting a 1.46-fold rise compared to the previous year. The policy also resulted in duty exemptions totalling ¥271 million (~$37.6 million).

The figures were released at a press conference held ahead of the 100-day milestone of the policy’s implementation.

Hainan Free Trade Port recorded trade exceeding ¥80 billion (~$11.6 billion) in its first 100 days of special customs operations, up 32.9 per cent YoY.
A total of 186 zero-tariff transactions were completed, covering goods worth ¥1.7 billion (~$236 million), while duties worth ¥271 million (~$37.6 million) were exempted, reflecting strong early momentum.

Launched on December 18, the island-wide special customs operations aim to facilitate smoother entry of overseas goods, expand the scope of zero-tariff items, and create a more business-friendly trade environment.

Positioned as the world’s largest free trade port by area, Hainan FTP is expected to play a strategic role in advancing China’s trade liberalisation and economic openness.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)

China will begin applying agreed tariff rates to certain imports originating from the Republic of the Congo from April 1, according to the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council.

The measure implements tariff reduction commitments made under the ‘Early Harvest Arrangement of the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development’ between the two countries.

China will implement preferential tariff rates on selected imports from the Republic of the Congo starting April 1 under the Early Harvest Arrangement of their economic partnership agreement.
The move announced by the Customs Tariff Commission, is aimed at fulfilling tariff reduction commitments, enhancing bilateral trade cooperation and advancing long-term economic ties between the two countries.

The commission said the move is in line with China’s tariff law and reflects the country’s continued efforts to expand opening-up and strengthen trade ties with African partners.

Officials stated that the preferential tariff treatment will help deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation and support the development of a higher-level community with a shared future between China and the Republic of the Congo.

The Early Harvest Arrangement, signed in November 2025, marked the first such agreement of its kind between China and an African country, paving the way for broader market access and phased tariff reductions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)