Garment, textile exports hit US$3.7 billion in first quarter

VGP - The country’s total export value of garments and textiles reached US$3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2013, or a year-on-year rise of 18.3%, according to the General Department of Viet Nam Customs.

April 22, 2013 7:37 PM GMT+7

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Exports to the ASEAN market reached US$111.4 million, a year-on-year increase of 44.4%, of which that from Cambodia contributed US$45.7 million, up 103% over the same period last year, making Cambodia the biggest importer of Vietnamese garments and textiles.

Nigeria, Norway and New Zealand turned out as big importers, posting growth rates of 1,200%, 134.6%, and 120% respectively, while the Australian market made an increase of 37%.

As the demand of EU and US markets tends to decrease, local garment and textile businesses have actively sought opportunities to expand their export markets to the Republic of Korea, Turkey, Africa, and the Middle East.

However, in the current challenges, garment and textile businesses should cut down expenses on materials and fuel while increasing the productivity to lower production cost and improve workers’ income, said Vice President of the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group./.

By Ngoc Van