Table of Contents
The global garment trade in 2025 is led by a few major players, and the differences between them are surprisingly large. In this case, garment exports refer to the international trade of finished clothing products classified under HS Chapter 61 (knitted or crocheted apparel), covering items such as T-shirts, dresses, trousers, outerwear, underwear, and fashion garments sold across global markets.
For global markets, China stays far ahead at $38.1 billion, followed by Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan, each contributing strongly to the world’s supply of garments. These countries shape the clothes we see in stores every day, from basic T-shirts to high-value apparel.
Who is the world's largest textile exporter in 2025?
According to TradeInt’s global textile and garment export database, China is the world’s largest textile and apparel exporter in January–June 2025, with export value reaching approximately US$38.1 billion, followed by Vietnam (US$8.93B), India (US$4.07B), Bangladesh (US$2.79B), Indonesia (US$2.06B), and Pakistan (US$1.37B). These leading exporters benefit from a combination of large-scale manufacturing capacity, cost-efficient labor, integrated textile supply chains, and strong trade links with the U.S. and EU, reinforcing Asia’s dominant role in the global textile and apparel supply chain in 2025.
Top 10 Garment Exporting Countries In The World from Jan to June 2025:
- China leads No.1 by a massive margin, exporting $38.1 billion, over 4 times more than Vietnam, the second-largest exporter.
- Vietnam ranks 2nd with $8.93 billion, maintaining strong global competitiveness driven by FDI-backed factories and high-volume production.
- India ranks 3rd with exports worth $4.07 billion, supported by its large textile ecosystem and diversified product range.
- Bangladesh remains a major global hub with $2.79 billion, known for mass-market apparel and strong European demand.
- Indonesia follows with $2.06 billion, driven by knitwear, sportswear, and synthetic fiber products.
- Pakistan rounds out the top seven at $1.37 billion, supported by cotton-based apparel and strong export ties to the U.S. and EU.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$) | Key Market Drivers 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 38.1 billion | World’s largest apparel exporter driven by massive manufacturing scale, vertically integrated supply chains, and strong sourcing demand from the U.S., EU, and Asia. |
| 2 | Vietnam | 8.93 billion | Rapid garment export growth supported by competitive labor costs, diversified buyer markets, and strong trade agreements with the U.S. and EU. |
| 3 | India | 4.07 billion | Rising apparel export hub as buyers diversify sourcing beyond China and Bangladesh, supported by a large workforce and expanding textile infrastructure. |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 2.79 billion | Cost-efficient garment manufacturing powerhouse supported by strong U.S. and EU demand and global fast-fashion sourcing. |
| 5 | Indonesia | 2.06 billion | Growing garment exports anchored in competitive production costs and diversified ASEAN supply chains. |
| 6 | Pakistan | 1.37 billion | Apparel exports supported by domestic cotton supply, competitive labor costs, and strengthening trade links with the U.S. and EU. |
| 7 | Malaysia | 🔒 Unlock Garment Export Data With TradeInt | Textile and garment exports supported by emerging manufacturing clusters serving Asia-Pacific brands. |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | Quality-focused apparel exports benefiting from ethical manufacturing standards and EU/U.S. access. | |
| 9 | Brazil | Regional garment export niche supported by near-shoring and Latin American supply chains. | |
| 10 | Kenya | Emerging apparel exporter leveraging AGOA tariff preferences and industrial upgrading. |
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1. China – $38.1 billion
How big is the Chinese clothing market?
China’s clothing export market reached an estimated $38.1 billion in the first six months of 2025, confirming its position as the world’s largest garment exporter, TradeInt global trade data highlighted. The country’s export strength is driven by high-volume categories, such as pullovers, women’s apparel, T-shirts, hosiery, and underwear, which together account for the majority of China’s garment export value in the first half of 2025.
Top garment exports in China in H1/2025:
- Pullovers, cardigans & knitwear (HS 6110) contributed $8.16 billion, the largest category.
- Women’s knitted apparel (HS 6104) exported $6.94 billion, showing strong global demand.
- T-shirts and vests (HS 6109) generated $5.63 billion, one of China’s highest-volume textile segments.
- Hosiery & socks (HS 6115) added $3.06 billion to overall exports.
- Women’s underwear & pajamas (HS 6108) reached $3.01 billion.
- Men’s knitted apparel (HS 6103) delivered $2.62 billion across suits, shirts, and trousers.
| Rank | HS Code | Category Description | Value (US$ billion) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6110 | Knitted or crocheted pullovers, cardigans, vests & similar products | 8.16 | 21.42% |
| 2 | 6104 | Knitted or crocheted women’s suits, dresses, skirts, tops & trousers | 6.94 | 18.19% |
| 3 | 6109 | Knitted T-shirts, singlets & vests | 5.63 | 14.76% |
| 4 | 6115 | Pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks & hosiery | 3.06 | 8.02% |
| 5 | 6108 | Women’s underwear, briefs, pajamas & dressing gowns | 3.01 | 7.90% |
| 6 | 6103 | Knitted men’s suits, shirts, trousers & overalls | 2.62 | 6.86% |
| 7 | 6114 | 🔒 Unlock China Garment Export Data With TradeInt | 1.50 | 3.93% |
| 8 | 6107 | 1.42 | 3.71% | |
| 9 | 6116 | 1.34 | 3.52% | |
| 10 | 6112 | 1.07 | 2.80% |
China’s apparel export market reached about $38.1 billion USD in H1 2025, underscoring its unmatched scale in global garment trade. Exports are concentrated in high-volume knitted categories, such as pullovers, women’s apparel, T-shirts, and hosiery, which together form the core of China’s garment export value.
Which country does China export garments to?
On the other hand, China exports garments to major global markets, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and several Central Asian and European countries. In the first six months of 2025, China’s garment export value reached $38.1 billion, with the U.S. being the largest destination for Chinese apparel shipments.
Top 10 China garment export country destinations in the first half of 2025:
- United States— $8.8 billion: China’s largest garment market, driven by strong demand for knitwear, T-shirts, underwear, and fast-fashion apparel.
- Japan— $3.0 billion: A premium market valuing high-quality knitwear, hosiery, and women’s clothing.
- South Korea— $1.4 billion: Imports a diverse mix of Chinese-made fashion garments, sportswear, and synthetic fiber apparel.
- Australia— $1.3 billion: Strong buyer of casual wear, active wear, and seasonal clothing sourced from China.
- United Kingdom— $1.3 billion: Key destination for knitwear, T-shirts, and competitively priced fast-fashion items.
- Germany— $1.2 billion: Stable importer of underwear, socks, functional apparel, and basic knit garments.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$) | Share (%) | Key Market Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 8,768,605,866 | 22.99% | Largest destination for Chinese garments, driven by mass-market demand for knitwear, basics, and fast-fashion apparel across major retail and e-commerce channels. |
| 2 | Japan | 2,981,287,695 | 7.82% | Premium apparel market emphasizing quality knitwear, functional fabrics, and women’s clothing, supported by stable consumer demand and long-standing Japan–China supply chains. |
| 3 | South Korea | 1,443,948,180 | 3.79% | Strong importer of fashion garments and sportswear from China, driven by trend-responsive retail demand and reliance on cost-efficient regional manufacturing. |
| 4 | Australia | 1,295,373,184 | 3.40% | Consistent buyer of casualwear and seasonal apparel, supported by limited domestic manufacturing capacity and steady sourcing from Asia-Pacific suppliers. |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 1,277,939,970 | 3.35% | Key European market for competitively priced knitwear and fast-fashion garments, driven by retail replenishment demand and diversified sourcing from Asia. |
| 6 | Germany | 1,206,231,098 | 3.16% | Stable importer of underwear, hosiery, and basic apparel, supported by Germany’s large consumer base and role as a distribution hub within the EU. |
According to China Textile Leader’s data, early signs were mildly positive. In the first four months, textile and garment exports rose 1.1%, supported mostly by textiles (+2.5%), while apparel slipped 1.5% to $44.6 billion. This early pattern reflected stronger material demand while finished garments faced pressure.
Key developments from January–June include:
- Overall exports (first five months): $116.67B (+1.0% YoY), where textiles valued at $58.48B (+2.5%) & apparel: $58.2B (-0.5%)
- In yuan terms: Apparel up 0.6%, textiles up 3.7%, suggesting currency effects softened declines.
- Early-year drag:January–February exports fell 4.53%, with apparel dropping 6.9%, impacted by the Chinese New Year and US–China trade tensions.
Mid-2025 briefly showed improvement. Apparel exports in May rebounded 2.5% YoY and 17% month-on-month, indicating renewed demand after months of stagnation. However, this rebound did not hold.
By late 2025, declines became more pronounced. Apparel exports fell 3.6% over the first ten months, while October recorded a steep 15.7% drop, the strongest evidence of weakening global appetite for Chinese garments. External factors also intensified:
- Polarized global demand
- Rising trade friction and green trade barriers
- Higher sourcing diversification from Western buyers
At the structural level, China’s 2026–2030 plan signals a more domestic-focused strategy, reducing the long-term emphasis on garment export expansion. Historical data also shows a gradual decline: 2024 apparel exports totaled $159.142 billion, and 2023 exports fell 7.8%, reinforcing a multi-year slowdown.
2. Vietnam – $8.93 billion
Vietnam remains one of the strongest performers among the top 10 garment exporting countries in the world, with 2025 showing a clear return to growth.
The industry recorded $34.75 billion in export turnover during the first 9 months of 2025 (+7.7% YoY), and projections suggest it may reach $47 to $48 billion by year-end. This rebound reflects both improving global demand and Vietnam’s rapid shift toward higher-value manufacturing.
Vietnam is also moving beyond traditional contract production as it upgrades capabilities, expands market reach, and strengthens its value chain:
- A rising share of exports now consists of high-value-added and branded products, showing a shift away from low-cost processing.
- Vietnam has climbed to 3rd place globally among major textile and garment exporters.
- Products are shipped to 138 markets, supported by 16 FTAs, with expansion to 22 by 2027.
- New growth regions, especially the Middle East and Africa, are becoming important, generating $700M by July 2025 after hitting $1 billion in 2024.
At the same time, manufacturers face increasing operational and policy pressures that influence pricing and competitiveness:
- Production costs are 40–45% higherthan in Indonesia, Malaysia, or Myanmar, despite 40% higher labor productivity.
- Freight and warehousing costscontinue rising, compounded by driver shortages.
- Upgrading from CMT to FOB/DDP modelsrequires more working capital that many firms lack.
- The US 20% reciprocal taxcompresses margins as some buyers shift cost burdens to suppliers.
- Heavy reliance on imported inputs (100% cotton, 95% synthetic fibers) creates compliance and traceability risks.
- Even with these pressures, Vietnam is accelerating automation and sustainable manufacturing to maintain global competitiveness.
- The country ranks second in regional supply-chain modernization, with factories investing in smart machinery, recycled materials, and clean production.
- Leading groups like Vinatex aim to build circular, traceable, low-emission apparel ecosystems to meet US and EU sourcing standards.
With modernization, deeper market diversification, and strategic value-chain upgrades, Vietnam is positioning itself not just as a high-volume exporter but as a long-term leader in global textile production.
3. India – $4.07 billion
What is the rank of India in textile exports?
According to TradeInt’s India garment export database (Jan – June 2025) , India’s garment exports were primarily destined for seven key markets, led by the United States, which accounted for US$1.39 billion in export value. TradeInt’s latest trade data shows that the United Kingdom (US$348.7M) and the UAE (US$342.7M) followed as major destinations, supported by strong demand for knitwear, woven apparel, and re-export distribution.
Other leading export markets included Germany (US$268.9M), the Netherlands (US$221.8M), France (US$158.2M), and Poland (US$152.3M), reflecting India’s deep integration into U.S. and European apparel supply chains, particularly for cotton garments, home textiles, and mid-market fashion products.
Top garment export destinations in India:
- United States— $1.39B: India’s largest apparel market, contributing over one-third of total garment export value, driven by strong demand for cotton garments, home textiles, and value-added apparel.
- United Kingdom— $348.7M: A mature European market for Indian knitwear, woven shirts, and fashion basics.
- UAE— $342.6M: A rising re-export hub, linking Indian garments to Africa, GCC countries, and broader MENA demand.
- Germany— $268.9M: Stable buyer of shirts, trousers, homewear, and high-compliance textile categories.
- Netherlands— $221.8M: A logistics gateway for Indian garments entering the broader EU retail ecosystem.
- France— $158.2M: Strong demand for premium cottonwear and mid-market fashion exports.
- Poland— $152.3M: Fast-growing Central European market for competitively priced apparel.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$) | Share (%) | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 1,388,261,847 | 34.08% | 🔒 Explore U.S. Trade Data |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 348,726,627 | 8.56% | 🔒 Explore UK Trade Data |
| 3 | UAE | 342,655,084 | 8.41% | 🔒 Explore UAE Trade Data |
| 4 | Germany | 268,892,227 | 6.60% | 🔒 Explore Germany Trade Data |
| 5 | Netherlands | 221,806,673 | 5.44% | 🔒 Explore Netherlands Trade Data |
| 6 | France | 158,249,863 | 3.88% | 🔒 Explore France Trade Data |
In summary, India’s garment exports in H1 2025 were heavily concentrated in the United States and major European markets, with the U.S. alone accounting for over one-third of total export value, followed by strong demand from the UK, UAE, Germany, and other EU gateways.
India’s textile and garment sector in 2025 reflects a resilient but uneven performance, balancing early-year gains with late-year declines. During April–September 2025, India’s global exports of textiles, apparel, and made-ups edged up 0.1% YoY, reaching US$8.49 billion, a sharp improvement from USD 7.72 billion the previous year. This 10% growth across 111 markets highlights India’s continuing relevance among the top 10 garment exporting countries in the world, even amid tariff pressures and slowing global demand.
Much of the momentum comes from Ready-Made Garments (RMG), which grew 3.42%, and jute, which expanded 5.56%, evidence that India is still competitive in core export categories. The growth is also market-driven, with strong YoY increases in:
- UAE (+14.5%)– faster order cycles and re-export demand.
- Japan (+19%)– rising interest in value-added apparel.
- Germany (+2.9%), France (+9.2%), Spain (+9.0%)– steady EU diversification into India.
- Egypt (+27%), Hong Kong (+69%), Saudi Arabia (+12.5%)– rapid expansion in non-traditional markets.
However, the second half of 2025 revealed growing stress.
By October 2025, textile and apparel exports fell 12.91% YoY, from US$3.06 billion to US$2.66 billion. Apparel alone dropped 12.88%, pressured heavily by US tariffs exceeding 60%, India’s steepest decline since the trade measures began. Key categories like cotton yarn, man-made fabrics, carpets, and handloom products recorded contractions between 11–15%, indicating broad-based strain.
4. Bangladesh – $2.79 billion
Bangladesh entered 2025 with strong momentum, reaffirming its status among the top 10 garment exporting countries in the world.
Here is the market overview, according to Textile Today:
- FY2024–25 RMG exports:total $39.35B (↑ 8.84%) with knitwear exports valued at $21.16B and woven garments valued at $18.19B
- FY2025–26 (Jul–Oct) apparel exports:$12.99B (↑ 1.40% YoY), with total merchandise exports (Jul–Oct) increased by 2.22%
- July 2025 RMG exports:$3.96B (↑ 24.67% YoY) — one of Bangladesh’s strongest months on record
- US market gains:Over 21% growth in Jan–Jul 2025 apparel exports, while China’s share declined
These declines reflect deeper structural pressures:
- Election-related uncertaintyreduced buyer confidence and order placements.
- US retaliatory tariffs (20%)raised product prices and slowed purchasing.
- Competitive pressureincreased as China and India diverted more apparel to the EU at lower prices.
- Banking sector liquidity issuesdisrupted back-to-back L/C operations, causing delays and order risks.
- Rising production and utility costs, including gas shortages, limited manufacturers’ ability to absorb tariff burdens.
Despite these headwinds, Bangladesh maintains strong long-term growth potential. Policy reforms, like easing FoC restrictions, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, aim to support the country’s ambition of achieving $100B in garment exports by 2028. But sustaining this trajectory will require resolving liquidity constraints, improving energy reliability, and navigating shifting global trade patterns.
5. Indonesia – $2.06 billion
What is the most popular clothing in Indonesia?
According to TradeInt’s Indonesia garment export database, the most popular clothing category exported by Indonesia in the first half of 2025 was knitted or crocheted pullovers, cardigans, and vests (HS 6110), with an export value of approximately US$474.9 million. TradeInt’s latest data shows that Indonesia’s overall garment exports reached a total value of about US$2.06 billion during the period, led by knitwear such as pullovers, women’s suits and dresses (HS 6104), T-shirts and singlets (HS 6109), and men’s knitted apparel. Reflecting strong global demand for Indonesia’s mass-market and mid-range apparel manufacturing.
Top export garment categories in Indonesia in H1 2025:
- Pullovers & Cardigans — $475M:Indonesia’s largest garment export category, driven by strong orders for knitted outerwear across major markets.
- Women’s Apparel (Dresses, Suits, Skirts) — $410M:A major value contributor, reflecting Indonesia’s growing capability in fashion-focused manufacturing.
- T-Shirts & Singlets — $283:High-volume essentials that form a stable backbone of the country’s garment export basket.
- Men’s Suits & Tops — $191M:Steady demand in formal and casual menswear supports Indonesia’s diversified product mix.
- Blouses — $108M:Shows competitiveness in lightweight, style-driven women’s garments.
- Men’s Shirts — $92M:Consistent export volume driven by large-scale production of everyday apparel.
- Women’s Underwear & Nightwear — $90M:A resilient niche category with strong year-round demand.
Despite Malaysia durian export to China stands out in Malaysia’s 2025 trade performance, they represent just one segment of Malaysia’s broader export structure and partner distribution.
🔍 Must read also: Malaysia Top 10 Export by Country 2024
Top export garment countries in Indonesia in H1 2025
Indonesia’s garments in the first half of 2025 mainly export to Japan, South Korea, Canada, and the Netherlands, showing Indonesia’s strong positioning in knitwear, casualwear, and mass-market apparel. The data shows highly concentrated export dependence on Western and Northeast Asian markets, particularly the US.
- United States — $1.28B (62.17%):Indonesia’s overwhelmingly largest apparel market, driven by high-volume orders for basics, knitwear, and affordable mass-market garments.
- Japan — $115.6M (5.61%):A stable premium buyer known for consistent demand in high-quality knitwear and women’s apparel.
- South Korea — $95.8M (4.65%):Strong appetite for casualwear and fast-fashion items supports steady export flow.
- Canada — $69.2M (3.36%):Growing demand for winterwear, sweaters, and knit tops boosts Indonesia’s market share.
- Netherlands — $55.4M (2.69%):A key EU entry point where many Indonesian garments are re-exported across Europe.
- Germany — $46.4M (2.25%):Stable demand for functional wear, basics, and knitted products.
Overall, Indonesia’s garment exports in H1 2025 were driven mainly by large, repeat orders from the United States and key Asian markets, highlighting a concentrated, scale-focused export structure built around knitwear and mass-market apparel.
Indonesia is one of the top 10 garment exporting countries in the world, with trade surplus reaching US$4.3 billion in May 2025, largely supported by non-oil and gas commodities, including garments, footwear, and machinery.
The United States contributed US$7.08 billion to Indonesia’s surplus in the first five months alone (+31% YoY), highlighting the country’s deep dependence on American demand.
At the same time, Indonesia strengthened its position as a China+1 manufacturing hub, attracting new FDI in textiles, footwear, and synthetic fibers. Investors increasingly view Indonesia as an alternative production base with lower geopolitical risk than China, supported by government incentives, tax holidays, and import-duty exemptions.
Conclusion
The global garment industry in 2025 is shaped by a few powerhouse exporters, with China dominating the market at $38.1 billion, more than 4 times Vietnam’s $8.93 billion. Vietnam, India ($4.07B), Bangladesh ($2.79B), Indonesia ($2.06B), and Pakistan ($1.37B) continue to strengthen their positions through large-scale production, affordable labor, and strong ties to major buyers in the U.S. and Europe.
Across these countries, competitiveness is driven by high-volume manufacturing, diversified product ranges, and the ability to meet global fashion demand quickly and at scale. Despite market fluctuations, the top exporters maintain steady growth by upgrading factories, attracting foreign investment, and expanding sustainable production practices.
