In this piece, we will take a look at the five countries that export the most fabrics/garments. For more countries, take a look at 12 Countries that Export the Most Fabrics/Garments.
5. Italian Republic
Garments Exports in 2021: $556 million
The Italian Republic is a European country known for its agricultural exports. At the same time, Italy has a longstanding textile industry that is known for its linen, cotton, silk, and wool fabrics. As of 2021, there were close to 45,000 textile companies in Italy. As is the case with the industry in several other countries, the Italian sector is also dominated by small and medium sized businesses. Italy is also the European leader in manufacturing technical textiles. These are fabrics with specific functions such as breathability, flame resistance, and elasticity. Italy was the world’s largest exporter of made-up clothing accessories in 2021 as it exported $774 million of the products. At the same time, it ranked number two in scarves and tie exports. Some of the most well known fashion brands in the world are also Italian, such as Versace, Armani, and Prada.
4. Federal Republic of Germany
Garments Exports in 2021: $578 million
The Federal Republic of Germany, or simply Germany, is the most prosperous nation in Europe. The country’s primary export destination is Switzerland, which accounts for more than 10% of its exports. Like Italy, Germany also has a strong technical textile export sector. Additionally, Germany also pays strong attention to sustainable textile manufacturing, and according to data from the OECD, almost 80 German companies also use the Green button label on their products – with a large number of customers also recognizing the symbol.
3. People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Garments Exports in 2021: $600 million
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is an Asian country that ranks 92 in terms of landmass but eighth in terms of population – making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The significance of the textile sector to Bangladeshi exports and the economy cannot be understated as more than 90% of its exports are one form of clothing material or the other. Textile has fueled the country’s development, allowing it to become the second largest economy in South Asia after being the second poorest country in the world in 1971. Additionally, Bangladeshi firm Remi Holdings also has the highest score of LEED factory sustainability in the world.
2. Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Garments Exports in 2021: $996 million
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, or simply Vietnam, is a Southeast Asian country. Textiles make up a large chunk of its exports, but unlike Bangladesh, Vietnam also exports other products such as broadcasting equipment and machine parts. The country exported close to a billion dollars of garments in 2021, and at the same time, it was also the world’s second largest exporter of men’s overcoats, women’s undergarments, felt garments, and gloves. Some of the largest textile companies are Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group, Phong Phu Corporation, and Viet Tien Garment Corporation.
1. People’s Republic of China
Garments Exports in 2021: $4.8 billion
The People’s Republic of China is the world’s largest exporter and economy in purchasing power parity terms. China’s garments exports alone were worth $4.8 billion in 2021, higher than all of the countries on this part of our list combined. The country’s dominance is nearly absolute, as out of the 17 HTS codes that we studied for this list, China is the world’s largest exporter in 15. In the remaining two, China comes second to Bangladesh in men’s shirt exports and third to Italy and South Korea in clothing accessories.
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