EU textile and clothing imports show strong performance in October

According to the latest data, the EU's textile and apparel imports in October reached 1.133 million tons, an increase of 19.8% year-on-year and 3.9% month-on-month. Imports from China grew by 20.1% year-on-year but fell 4.5% month-on-month. From January to October, the EU's cumulative textile and apparel imports rose by 7% year-on-year, with imports from China increasing by 10.6%. This year's growth rate of imports from China was significantly faster than the overall average.

Although the EU's textile and apparel demand has gradually recovered this year, especially with a notable rebound in import volumes, the import value growth has been modest. From January to October, the import value rose by only 2.4% year-on-year, with imports from China increasing by 5.3%. This indicates a significant decline in average import unit prices, resulting in limited growth in import value.

In the first ten months of the year, except for January, May, and June, where import volumes declined year-on-year, other months saw varying degrees of growth, particularly in the second half of the year when the growth was more substantial. The recovery in EU textile and apparel import demand became evident.

The main markets accounted for the following shares of total imports:

- China: approximately one-third.

- Turkey: second place with a share of 13.1%.

- Bangladesh: 11.4%.

Among growth rates, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan showed significant increases this year, growing by 10.6%, 15.7%, and 11.6%, respectively. However, in October, Bangladesh's growth was particularly notable. Below is a comparison of the year-on-year growth rates for October and the first ten months.

In October, the EU's textile and apparel import demand accelerated, with Bangladesh showing the fastest growth, exceeding 30%. Vietnam, India, Pakistan, and China followed, with growth rates around 20-23%. Turkey's growth was slower but still achieved double digits. This indicates a broad-based increase in October's import demand.

Whether this trend can continue remains uncertain, though the second half of the year's demand recovery was clearly stronger than the first half. While the recently released EU import data appears promising, there are concerns about its sustainability. Questions linger about whether trade policies initiated by Trump's election might extend to Europe and if the impact will further escalate. Frequent macroeconomic uncertainties also add significant unpredictability to future demand.