This article is emphasizing on the top manufacturing countries of garment/apparel/clothing, if we list down the name, it starts with China on top, followed by Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Italy and Germany, also Thailand, Indonesia, US and Taiwan. This article provides brief info about the top clothing producer countries, current scenario and statistics. First, let us understand the size of the global garment industry, in 2024, the global garment industry is worth US$1.79 trillion (and it is expected to reach US$2 trillion by 2028) and it accounts for 1.6% of the world’s GDP, it provides employment to about 3.62 billion people worldwide.
China: Currently holds the top position in the list of top clothing manufacturers worldwide, accounting over 40% of global textile and apparel exports. Country is having extensive infrastructure, skilled workforce, diverse production capabilities, efficient supply chain. huge and efficient production setup, modern facilities, industry knowledge, easy availability of raw materials and so on are the significance of this country to remain top producer of RMG. China has about 70 million workers in RMG industry, well-developed infrastructure, efficient transportation and logistics resulted in gaining upper edge for the country, thus the export value of textile and apparel totaled around US$316 billion in 2022, and in 2025 the value of apparel market is projected to be US$342 billion.
China remained world’s largest clothing exporter in 2023, but China’s clothing exports decreased by 9.7% in 2023 compared to the previous year, this is due to rising geopolitical tensions and Western fashion companies’ ongoing de-risking efforts, forced child-labor issues (in Xinjiang region), communication barriers, potential regulatory changes, weak market demand etc. are the challenges the country is facing at the moment.
Changda Garment, Hujoin Apparel, Luthai Textile, Shandong Ruyi Group, Zhongshan Arlisman Garment Factory, Jiangsu Sunshine Co. Ltd. are few of the big manufacturers of clothing in China.
Bangladesh: Though political instability and other challenges such as labor issues, shortage of energy and water etc., Bangladesh remains second largest producer of garments. The RMG workforce of the country is around 4 million with majority of women, the apparel industry accounts for about 80% of the export (that is 16% of the global textile and apparel exports), around US$36 billion in 2024. Professional and relatively young low-cost and surplus labor is the biggest advantage of Bangladesh for making affordable and fast clothing in bulk quantity. Despite months-long political violence and protests, as BGMEA stated that the Bangladesh’s garment industry recorded a 13% increase from July to December in 2024 comparing to the same period of 2023 (though there are many surveys/news available on internet stating a drop in the orders to Bangladesh and brands are shifting base to other countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam), however, the condition of workers remain unimproved.
Ha-Meem Group, Mondol Group, Ananta Group, Square Group, Palamal Group are few of the big manufacturers of apparel in Bangladesh.
Vietnam: Third largest exporter in the world, Vietnam is accounting for around 6.4% of global textile and apparel exports, generate revenue of around US$32 billion and employing over 2.7 million people. Trade agreements, skilled yet cheap workforce, quality in production, specialization in activewear, denim and technical & high-quality apparels, supportive policies from the government, foreign investments, low production costs are few of the main reasons of why Vietnam is important in the global RMG production; exporting products mainly to US, Japan and South Korea. Vietnam is focusing to increase sustainable production practices to attract more ethical brands and cater to the growing demand for sustainable clothing. Still, there are some challenges also, such as decline in demand due to global economic downturn, supply chain disruptions, rising labor costs etc. thus country’s textile and apparel export experienced 9.2% loss in 2023, but it is expected to recover in 2024 and 2025.
Vinatex, DONY Garment, Hanoi Textile and Garment JSC, Thai Son SP Sewing Factory, Song Hong Garment Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Textile and Garment Group (VTG) etc. are few of the top manufacturers of RMG in Vietnam.
India: Currently on fourth position in the list of world’s top garment manufacturing countries, it is known for skilled labor, rich and deep-rooted heritage, bulk quantity production, stable government along with many supportive policies and encouraging arrangements from the textile ministry and government, easy availability of raw materials and many other favorable reasons of India quickly emerging as a preferred destination for global brands for their sourcing and manufacturing requirements. India is accounting for around 4% of global textile and apparel export, about 40 million people are associated with RMG industry, the size of the textile & apparel industry is around US$35.64 billion in 2023-24. India is focusing on modernization and upgradation of its textile industry to improve efficiency, product quality, and meet global sustainability standards. Availability of raw materials and large-scale supply of fabrics, high-tech machineries and technologies, textile policies and trade shows/platforms, current political instability in Bangladesh etc. are the factors India is seeing increase in the export orders.
Arvind Ltd., Raymond Ltd., Page Industries, Shahi Exports, Ahill Apparels, Gokaldas Exports, NG Apparels, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. etc. are the few of the top garment producers from India.
Next to in this list are Turkey, Italy and Germany, also Thailand, Indonesia, US and Taiwan, will be covered in the next edition.
