Malaysia Textile/Apparel Performance in 2006

Textile/Apparel Exports Expand 8 Percent in Q1 

Malaysia's textile and apparel sector export expansion continued in the first quarter of 2006.  January through March exports reached RM2.631 billion, representing an 8 percent year-on-year expansion.  

Apparel Production Surges 42.3%

Malaysia ’s apparel industry is operating at record capacity and has proven itself successful in competing in the post 2005 world.  Apparel production in 2005 expanded 35.9 percent reaching 70.193 million units.  First quarter 2006 production expanded an additional 42.3 percent to 18.788 million units.  Textile output expanded at a slower pace. Exports continued to expand to a variety of destinations. 

May Output Rise

May output reached 7,937,000 units of clothing, which was double year-ago levels.  Cumulative January through May apparel output was up 52.4 percent from a year earlier at 32.771 million units.  May cotton fabric output reached 16.117 million meters, representing a 28.0 percent year-on-year expansion.  Cumulative January through May cotton fabric output expanded 4.7 percent to 67.696 million meters. Cumulative January through May exports expanded 15.9 percent to RM4.707 billion.  

The largest markets were the United States, European Union, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Turkey.  In the U.S. market, Malaysia has significantly expanded its exports of man-made apparel; these are up 2.0 percent in volume, but 25.9 percent in value terms. Malaysia has also increased shipments to the Middle East.

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