According to the ITKIB data, Turkey exported clothing worth $4.68 billion during January to March 2014, whereas clothing exports from the country totaled $4.29 billion during the same period last year.

Sub-sector wise, the highest exports were made from the knitted apparel and accessories sector with exports amounting to $2.45 billion during the first three months of this year, followed by woven apparel and accessories with $1.61 billion and other ready-made articles with $525.98 million.

According to the ITKIB data, Germany was the main destination for apparel exports from Turkey, with exports totaling $1.02 billion, followed by the UK with $540.6 million, Spain with $382.55 million, France with $303.32 million, the Netherlands with $266.87 million and Italy with $206.03 million.

The European Union (EU) remained the main destination for apparel exports from Turkey, accounting for 75.5 percent for apparel exports from the country during the first three months of this year.

In 2013, Turkey exported apparel worth US$ 17.3 billion, indicating an increase of 8.3 percent compared to 2012, as per the data from the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters Association (ITKIB).