Africa's leading importers of used clothing ($ m)
Mitumba Business
a y agoHillary BettInfographics
The global clothing trade remains one of the most lucrative industries, driven by mass production, consumer demand, and competitive manufacturing hubs.
In 2024, the European Union and China emerged as the world’s top exporters, each commanding exports worth over $165 billion. Together, they dominate the global apparel market.
Bangladesh ranks third, exporting clothes worth $38.5 billion, reflecting its strong textile and garment sector that heavily supports its economy.
Vietnam follows with $33.9 billion, cementing Southeast Asia’s importance in global apparel supply chains.
Other notable exporters include Turkey ($17.9 billion), India ($16.4 billion), Cambodia ($9.9 billion), Pakistan ($9.3 billion), Indonesia ($8.7 billion) and the United States ($7 billion).
These figures highlight the competitive nature of the clothing export industry, where low labor costs, established supply chains, and government incentives play a major role.
For developing nations like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia, clothing exports remain a backbone of their economies, creating millions of jobs. Meanwhile, developed markets such as the EU and US drive value through branding, design, and technology in apparel production.
