New Delhi, Oct 26: Reflecting a downtrend, garment exports to quota countries plunged to 302.9 million dollar in value terms showing a decline of 10.73 per cent in the month of September. In quantity terms exports came down by 14.68 per cent to 70.3 million pieces in quantity terms from 82.4 million pieces valued at 339.3 million dollar in September 2002.

However, in the first nine months ending September 30, 2003, garment exports to quota countries registered an increase of 6.48 per cent in terms of quantity and 15.12 per cent in terms of value at 936.3 million pieces and 3648 million dollar. In the first half of financial year (April-September 30) exports to restricted countries stood at 536 million valued at 2160.1 million dollar, showing a marginal decrease of 0.81 per cent in quantity while an increase of 4.65 per cent in value as compared to the corresponding period previous fiscal.

Exports to US in September declined by a whopping 39.07 per cent in terms of quantity to 23.7 million pieces and value terms by 32.93 per cent to 138.3 million dollar, according to data compiled by apparel export promotion council.

However, against the general trend, exports to EU witnessed an increase of 10 per cent in terms of quantity and 14.49 per cent of value at 42.9 million pieces and 152.8 million dollar respectively in September, 2003. Exports to Canada in the month under consideration decreased by 17.78 per cent in terms of quantity and 14.49 per cent in terms of value to 3.7 million pieces and 11.8 million dollar respectively.

Bureau Report