Apparel export of UK declined in the second quarter of 2020, especially in April. The export in April 2020 was USD 333.85 million which plunged 55.85 percent from USD 756.13 million in January 2020 as clothing was the worst hit sector by the COVID-19 pandemic in this period. The extended lockdown by the UK government further impacted the apparel export.

Also, the lockdown was not expected to be relaxed before June 2020. After reopening, consumers were very cautious about visiting crowded areas, and prioritised seeing their family and friends.

Consumers also preferred to spend time outside enjoying the summer weather rather than browsing resulting in the downfall of UK online clothing sales.

However, exports started to grow from May 2020 and reached USD 925.05 million in October with a rise of 177.09 percent as per UKFT’s (the collective voice of the UK fashion and textile industry) data that showed fashion retail, fashion designers, tailors and dress makers opened their stores from May 2020. UKFT had set an appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment.

UK apparel export was USD 8,668.27 million in 2019 (Jan.-Nov.) and it plunged 17.49 percent to USD 7,151.98 million in 2020 (Jan.-Nov.).

Source: fibre2fashion.com