Exports of knitted and crocheted garments (HS Chapter **) fell *.* per cent to $*.*** billion from $**.*** billion a year earlier, as retailers trimmed replenishment volumes. Woven apparel and accessories (HS Chapter **) recorded a steeper fall of *.* per cent to $*.*** billion, compared with $*.*** billion in ****, reflecting weaker demand for higher-value fashion categories and formalwear.
December **** data signalled a slower contraction relative to the annual trend. Knitted and crocheted apparel exports rose *.* per cent year on year to $***.*** million from $***.*** million in December ****, supported by seasonal restocking. In contrast, non-knitted apparel declined *.* per cent to $***.*** million from $***.*** million. Combined shipments under HS ** and HS ** edged down *.** per cent to $*.*** billion.
