Malaysia’s textile and apparel exports rose 10 per cent to RM 6.99 billion in the first half of this year compared to RM 6.33 billion recorded a year ago. The surge was driven by increasing global demand for high quality textile and clothing from Malaysia as well as rising purchasing power in major importing countries like the US, European Union (EU countries) and Canada. By the end of 2018, demand for textile and apparels is expected to increase to $160 billion.
In terms of volume, global demand is expected to reach 30 million tonnes by 2018 with Asia being a major source of imports from the US and EU nations. Out of 970 garment and textile factories registered with the Textile Ministry of Malaysia, 400 were making readymade garments, 80 (thread) and 108 (knitted fabric).