According to provisional data released by Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) there was 9.04 per cent growth in terms of quantity with 6,515 lakh pieces of readymade garments having been exported as against the export of 5,975 lakh pieces during the period under review. Readymade garments account for 40 per cent of the textile exports from the country.

Exports to the USA, during January-May 99 amounted to $729.1 million (Rs 3,102.98 crore) at 1,367 lakh pieces showing a growth of 14.30 per cent and 7.62 per cent in terms of quantity and value respectively.

In case of the European Union (EU), 3,138 lakh pieces were exported during the period valued at $878.3 million (Rs 3,738.09 crore)recording an increase of 9.30 per cent and 9.65 per cent in terms of quantity and value respectively.

Exports to Canada have registered a substantial increase of 35.17 per cent in quantitative terms and 19.63 per cent in dollar terms. Exports to Canada during the aggregated to 319 lakh pieces valued at $98.10 million (Rs 417.94 crore).

Exports to restricted countries were to the tune of 4,824 lakh pieces valued at $1,705.5 million (Rs 7259.01 crore). As compared to January-May '98 there has been an increase of 12.11 per cent in terms of quantity and 9.29 per cent in terms of value.

During the two-month period of April and May '99, 2,133 lakh pieces valued at $779.9 million (Rs 3,337.30 crore) were exported which exhibits an increase of 0.57 per cent in terms of quantity and 3.35 per cent in terms of value over the corresponding period last year.

Exports to the USA during these two months went up by 7.96 per cent in terms of value, 4.76 per cent to EU and 22.02 per cent to Canada during thisperiod.

However, despite a slight decline in the quantity of garments exports during the month of May '99, it has increased in both dollar and rupee terms. The 1,101 lakhs pieces of readymade garments valued at $416.5 million (Rs 1,780.1 crore) were exported as against 1,062 lakh pieces valued at $385.6 million (Rs 1562.85 crore) during May 98.