A small increase in retail sales of clothing in the domestic market was recorded in the first half of 2024, while exports, on the other hand, continued their downward trend that began in 2023.
Higher retail sales
According to data from the Association of Knit and Ready Made Garments of Greece, retail sales in the domestic market recorded a 4% increase and reached 1.63 billion euros from 1.55 billion euros in the corresponding period of 2023. Retail sales rose 3.6% in the first quarter of the year and 4.5% in the second quarter.
Double digit drop in exports
On the contrary, clothing exports continued their downward trend due to the reduced demand in the international markets. The total value of exports of the clothing-textile chain fell to 873 million euros in the first half of 2024 compared to 1.05 billion euros in 2023. Clothing exports showed a decrease of 14.8%, textiles a decrease of 22% and cotton a decrease of 14 .9%.
Imports also falling
Imports also fell by 7%. For the entire clothing-textile industry chain, they were valued at 1.58 billion euros in 2024, compared to 1.71 billion euros in the first half of 2023.
The decrease in imports in clothing amounted to 5% and in textiles to 16%.
