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)