World's Top Clothing Export Countries
Data on exports of clothing/apparel by country. Top Clothing Exporters in 2020 – 2021
In 2020 the total export value of clothing Wordwide was USD 421 Billion.
This value includes Apparel, & Clothing Accessories in both:
61 – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted
62 – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted
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The values from both groups have been very close, the total exports of group 61 being 214,1 Billion USD, and from group 62, total 207 Billion USD.
In these figures used clothing not included.
The Top Clothing Export Countries were:
- China
- Bangladesh
- Vietnam
- Germany
- Italy
- Turkey
The top importing Countries for Clothing:
- USA
- Germany
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Italy
We will give export values by country with other useful data on this post.
First I want to state the fact that some top exporting countries in clothing like Germany, imports more than what value it exports.
The reason is German brands are outsourcing their clothing mainly from China, Bangladesh, and Turkey and then exporting to mostly other EU countries.
Please check the trade balance values of all exporting countries to better understand the clothing trade Worldwide.
China - Exported 124,5 Billion USD Clothing
Top Countries Who Imports Clothing from China & Values in 2020
| USA | Japan | UK | South Korea | Germany | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
25.3 B |
12.8 B |
6.0 B |
5.0 B |
4.97 B |
3.6 B |
China is by far the biggest manufacturer and exporter of apparel in the World.
In 2020, China exported clothing with a total value of 124,5 Billion USD, that represents almost 30% of World’s Clothing Exports.
Top Clothing Exports of China by Product Type & HS Code
| HS CODE | DESCRIPTION | EXPORT (Billion USD) |
| 6204 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 17,76 |
| 6210 | Garments made up of felt or nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; … | 13,3 |
| 6203 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 7,8 |
| 6202 | Women’s or girls’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 5,36 |
| 6211 | Tracksuits, ski suits, swimwear and other garments, n.e.s. (excluding knitted or crocheted) | 4,29 |
| 6201 | Men’s or boys’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 4,02 |
| 6212 | Brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles and parts thereof, … | 3,53 |
| HS CODE | DESCRIPTION | EXPORT (Billion USD) |
| 6110 | Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted (excluding … | 16,07 |
| 6104 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 11,78 |
| 6109 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted | 6,28 |
| 6108 | Women’s or girls’ slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, négligés, bathrobes, … | 5,3 |
| 6115 | Pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, incl. graduated compression hosiery … | 5,09 |
| 6103 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 4,66 |
| 6116 | Gloves, mittens and mitts, knitted or crocheted (excluding for babies) | 2,45 |
Net Exports (Trade Balance): USD 116,3 B
Bangladesh - Exported 36,3 Billion USD Clothing
Top Countries Who Imports Clothing from Bangladesh & Values in 2020
| Germany | USA | UK | Spain | France | Poland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6.05 B |
5.28 B |
2.78 B |
2.75 B |
2.62 B |
2.06 B |
Bangladesh is the second biggest exporter of apparel in the World, after China.
In 2020, Bangladesh exported clothing with a total value of 36,3 Billion USD, that represents almost 8,6% of World’s Clothing Exports.
Top Clothing Exports of Bangladesh by Product Type & HS Code
| 6203 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 5,91 |
| 6204 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 4,77 |
| 6205 | Men’s or boys’ shirts (excluding knitted or crocheted, nightshirts, singlets and other vests) | 1,89 |
| 6109 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted | 5,96 |
| 6110 | Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted (excluding … | 5,08 |
| 6104 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 2,54 |
| 6108 | Women’s or girls’ slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, négligés, bathrobes, … | 1,05 |
Net Exports (Trade Balance): USD 36,2 B
Vietnam - Exported 27 Billion USD Clothing
Top Countries Who Imports Clothing from Vietnam & Values in 2020
| USA | Japan | Korea | China | Canada | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13.81 B |
3.26 B |
2.73 B |
1,04 B |
0,78 B |
0,75 B |
Viet Nam is the third biggest exporter of apparel in the World. Top importing country from Viet Nam is USA, having the half share of all clothing imports from Viet Nam.
Top Clothing Exports of Vietnam by Product Type & HS Code
| 6203 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 5,91 |
| 6204 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 4,77 |
| 6205 | Men’s or boys’ shirts (excluding knitted or crocheted, nightshirts, singlets and other vests) | 1,89 |
| 6109 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted | 5,96 |
| 6110 | Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted (excluding … | 5,08 |
| 6104 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 2,54 |
| 6108 | Women’s or girls’ slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, négligés, bathrobes, … | 1,05 |
Net Exports (Trade Balance): USD 26,5 B
Germany - Exported 22,07 Billion USD Clothing
Top Countries Who Imports Clothing from Germany & Values in 2020
| Poland | Switzerland | Austria | France | Netherlands | Italy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3,33 B |
3.32 B |
2,66 B |
2,1 B |
1,97 B |
1,10 B |
Germany is the 4th biggest exporter of apparel in the World. Top apparel importing countries from Germany are in EU.
Although Germany is a big exporter and ranks 4th, actually imports much more from countries like Viet Nam, China, bangladesh and Turkey.
Germany has a trade deficit in clothing around USD 14 Billion.
Top Clothing Exports of Germany by Product Type & HS Code
| 6110 | Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted (excluding … | 2,61 |
| 6109 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted | 2,36 |
| 6104 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 2,05 |
| 6115 | Pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, incl. graduated compression hosiery … | 0,64 |
| 6102 | Women’s or girls’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 0,46 |
| 6204 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 3,19 |
| 6203 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 2,92 |
| 6202 | Women’s or girls’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 1,31 |
| 6201 | Men’s or boys’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 0,72 |
| 6206 | Women’s or girls’ blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses (excluding knitted or crocheted and vests) | 0,69 |
| 6210 | Garments made up of felt or nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; … | 0,57 |
| 6205 | Men’s or boys’ shirts (excluding knitted or crocheted, nightshirts, singlets and other vests) | 0,55 |
| 6212 | Brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles and parts thereof, … | 0,47 |
Net Exports (Trade Balance): - USD 14 B (Trade Deficit)
Italy - Exported 20,55 Billion USD Clothing
Top Countries Who Imports Clothing from Italy & Values in 2020
| Switzerland | France | Germany | UK | USA | China | Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2,22 B |
2,19 B |
2,03 B |
1,67 B |
1,31 B |
1,04 B |
1,03 B |
Italy is the 5th biggest exporter of apparel in the World.
Italy has a net export value (exports – imports) of USD 6,2 B.
When we consider Italy is a top luxury fashion center, this positive net export value makes total sense.
Top Clothing Exports of Italy by Clothing Type & HS Code
| 6110 | Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted (excluding … | 3,0 |
| 6109 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted | 1,7 |
| 6104 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 0,91 |
| 6115 | Pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, incl. graduated compression hosiery … | 0,66 |
| 6114 | Special garments for professional, sporting or other purposes, n.e.s., knitted or crocheted | 0,38 |
| 6204 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 3,18 |
| 6203 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 1,93 |
| 6202 | Women’s or girls’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 1,52 |
| 6201 | Men’s or boys’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, incl. ski jackets, windcheaters, … | 1,38 |
| 6217 | Made-up clothing accessories and parts of garments or clothing accessories, of all types of … | 0,54 |
| 6206 | Women’s or girls’ blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses (excluding knitted or crocheted and vests) | 0,54 |
| 6211 | Tracksuits, ski suits, swimwear and other garments, n.e.s. (excluding knitted or crocheted) | 0,54 |
| 6214 | Shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and similar articles (excluding knitted or crocheted) | 0,52 |
| 6210 | Garments made up of felt or nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; … | 0,49 |
Net Exports (Trade Balance): USD 6,2 B
Turkey - Exported 15 Billion USD Clothing in 2020
Top Countries Who Imports Clothing from Turkey & Values in 2020
| Germany | Spain | UK | Netherlands | France | USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2,69 B |
2,0 B |
1,76 B |
1,14 B |
0,66 B |
0,54 B |
Turkey is the 6th biggest exporter of apparel in the World.
Total value of apparel exporter by Turkey was USD 15 Billions in 2020.
Turkey is a net exporter of Clothing with a positive trade balance of 13,7 B USD.
This makes Turkey the 4th biggest exporter in net export values in the World after China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
USA is one of the top importing countries of Turkish apparel, however, Turkey is not among the top 10 apparel exporting countries to USA. (For 2020)
Top Clothing Exports of Turkey by Clothing Type & HS Code
| 6109 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted | 2,30 |
| 6110 | Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, knitted or crocheted (excluding … | 1,98 |
| 6104 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 1,12 |
| 6115 | Pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, incl. graduated compression hosiery … | 1,04 |
| 6103 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 0,37 |
| 6106 | Women’s or girls’ blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses, knitted or crocheted (excluding T-shirts … | 0,33 |
| 6204 | Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, … | 2,52 |
| 6203 | Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches … | 1,29 |
| 6210 | Garments made up of felt or nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; … | 0,92 |
| 6206 | Women’s or girls’ blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses (excluding knitted or crocheted and vests) | 0,51 |
| 6205 | Men’s or boys’ shirts (excluding knitted or crocheted, nightshirts, singlets and other vests) | 0,40 |
| 6211 | Tracksuits, ski suits, swimwear and other garments, n.e.s. (excluding knitted or crocheted) | 0,28 |
Net Exports (Trade Balance): USD 13,7 B
- All values given are in United States Dollar. (Billion USD)
- Source: ITC Trademap
