Garment exports dip 20.25% in Dec '04

Garment exports declined 20.25% in terms of quantity and 14.71% in terms of value in December 2004.

Exports to quota countries stood at 76.4 million pieces valued at $349 million as against 95.8 million pieces at $409.2 million in December 2003.

Readymade garment exports to the US witnessed a decline of 46.25% in terms of quantity and 42.29% in terms of value at 19.6 million pieces and $100.7 million respectively.

Exports of garments during the first nine months of the current fiscal (Apr-Dec, 2004-05) registered a growth of 8.38% in terms of quantity and 14.21% in terms of value at 846.9 million pieces and $3609.6 million, according to data compiled by the Apparel Export Promotion Council.

During the period under review, exports to the US amounted to 311.8 million pieces valued at $1589.6 million, representing an increase of 15.10% in terms of quantity and 13.60% in terms of value.

Exports to European Union stood at 499.5 million pieces valued at $1901 million, a rise of 5.85% in terms of quantity and 16.28% in terms of value.

In 2004, garment exports to quota countries increased by 5.48% in terms of quantity to 1248.3 million pieces and 11.86% in terms of value at $5205.6 million.