Garment exports to quota countries in October witnessed a steep fall of 16.42 per cent in quantity terms at 67.2 million pieces and 10.14 per cent in value at $257.1 million. 

Exports to the US recorded a decrease of 22.18 per cent and 16.13 per cent in quantity and value terms respectively.

Total exports to the US stood at 20.7 million pieces valued at $104 million against 26.6 million pieces valued at $124 million in October 2002, as per the latest data compiled by the Apparel Export Promotion Council.

Reflecting the similar trend, export of readymade garments to the European Union in the month under review decreased by 12.22 per cent in terms of quantity at 43.1 million and 3.89 per cent in value terms at $143.2 million.

Readymade garment exports to Canada in the month also declined by a whopping 27.66 per cent in terms of quantity and 24.43 per cent in value at 3.4 million pieces and $9.9 million.

Exports during the first 10 months of this fiscal showed a rise of 4.54 per cent at 1,003.5 million pieces and 13.02 per cent in value at $3,905.3 million.

Readymade garment exports to the US decreased by 2.42 per cent during the January-October period at 330.1 million pieces in quantity terms while registering an increase of 1.20 per cent in value terms at $1,701 million.