Clothing exports surge by 28 percent
Export revenue of textiles and garments surged 28.4 percent to US$ 1.05 billion in the first month of the year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The ministry also reported that production of woven fabrics made from synthetic and artificial fibers reached 81.8 million square metres, a 12.9 percent increase, while clothing for adults also surged 21.6 percent to 184.8 million units. Natural fabrics output in January increased 2.2 percent to 22.1 million square metres.
Most Vietnamese garment and textile enterprises reported having received orders to the end of the first quarter. A number of large businesses even received orders for the second and third quarters.
The ministry said that this is an optimistic sign for the textile and garment industry and suggested firms invest more in boosting the image of Vietnamese products overseas.
Textile and garment producers should also focus on making their own materials to minimise dependence on imports, the ministry said.
Vietnam’s textile and garment industry ailment to grow by 12-15 percent this year and earn export revenues of US$18.5-19 billion.
The US is expected to remain Vietnam’s largest textile and garment importer with an import value of US$ 8.5 billion, up 11 percent against last year. Exports to Japan and the EU are also estimated to reach US$ 2.4 billion each while shipments to the Republic of Korea are expected to surge 15 percent to US$ 1.5 billion.