The garment exports to quota countries declined by 4.32 per cent in quantity terms to 99.7 million pieces in April 2004 while registering an increase of 1.12 per cent in value terms at $380.1 million.

This increase of 1.12 per cent is attributed to the increase in terms of value both in the United States and the European Union markets.

Exports to the United States, in quantity terms, decreased by 5.49 per cent to 3.44  million pieces valued at $16.6 million in April, 2004 as against 3.64 million pieces at $17.11 million in April 2003, down by 2.98 per cent in value terms.

According to analysts, the main reason for shortfall in export to the US is largely due to the appreciating rupee and duty-free advantage available to some of the least developed countries.

Similar trend was noticed in exports to the EU which saw a decline of 2.39 per cent in quantity terms at 6.13 million pieces in April, 2004 as against 6.28 million pieces in April, 2003.

However, in value terms there was an increase of 5.4 per cent to $20.1 million in April, 2004 as against $19.07 million in April, 2003, according to a data compiled by Apparel Export Promotion Council.

Garment exports to Canada decreased by a whopping 20 per cent in terms of quantity and 7.09 per cent in terms of value in April, 2004 to 0.4 million pieces valued at $1.31 million, respectively.

Garment exports in the first four months of the calendar year stood at 498.8 million pieces valued at $1970.1 million witnessing a decrease of 0.82 per cent in quantity but an increase of 5.67 per cent in terms of value.

Exports to the US in the period under review decreased by 2.39 per cent in terms of quantity and six per cent in terms of value at 155.4 million peices valued at $755 million.

Garment exports to EU amounted to 322.6 million pieces valued at $1148.4 million showing an increase of 1.48 per cent in terms of quantity and 16.83 per cent in terms of value.

Portugal showed the highest increase of 83.33 per cent in terms of value.