A-PAC gets lion's share of 72% in UK's apparel imports in 2022

The United Kingdom's global apparel imports were valued at $24.394 billion in 2022. Asia-Pacific accounted for 72.56 percent of total trade, with imports totaling $17.7 billion during the same period. Interestingly, imports from Asia-Pacific increased by 49.2% over the previous year. The Asia-Pacific region, which includes major exporting countries, is home to the world's textile industry.

Imports from the region totaled $13.340 billion in 2019, falling 1.21 percent to $13.179 billion in 2020. According to sources, it will fall another 9.98% to $11.863 billion in 2021.

In 2021, Asia-Pacific apparel imports accounted for 56.79 percent of total UK apparel imports of $20.889 billion. The data showed a significant increase in the Asia-Pacific region's share in 2022 compared to 2021. Last year, the share increased to 72.56 percent, up from 56.79 percent in 2021.

During 2021, the United Kingdom imported 32.25 percent of its apparel from Europe, 8.44 percent from the Middle East, 1.59 percent from Africa, and 0.61 percent from Central and South America. These regions' market share will have decreased significantly by 2022, as the Asia-Pacific region's share will have increased to 72.56 percent. It was noted that Europe was responsible for 13.38 per cent, the Middle East for 9.63 per cent, Africa for 3.16 per cent, North America for 0.76 per cent and Central and South America for 0.51 per cent, as per TexPro. 

The UK's total apparel imports from the world increased to $24.391 billion in 2022 from $20.891 billion in 2021. It was recorded at $22.943 billion in 2020, $25.809 billion in 2019, and $26.502 billion in 2018. The increase in imports during 2022 compared to 2021 might cause higher prices of apparel due to a rise in the prices of raw materials.