The apparel sector of Greece ended the year 2013 on a positive note with significant rise in exports, which is for the first time since 2006, as per the data released by the Greek Association of Knitwear-Hellenic Fashion Industry Association (SEPEE).

According to a statement issued by SEPEE, exports of clothing from the country increased by 1.1 percent year-on-year, during 2013, especially the exports of knitted garments which grew by 3.7 percent last year, compared to 2012.

In terms of turnover, the apparel industry of Greece registered an increase of 1 percent year-on-year, during 2013. In 2012, the turnover of the Greek apparel sector had recorded a fall of 19.8 percent year-on-year.

However, as per the SEPEE data, downward trend continued in the production of apparel in the country, which declined by 4.1 percent during last year, compared to 2012, when production of clothing decreased by 7.1 percent.

Retail sales of clothing in the domestic market also incurred a fall of 2.9 percent during 2013, compared to 2012, when retail sales of apparel in the domestic market had registered a decrease of 19.7 percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, according to the SEPEE data, imports of apparel in Greece continued the downward trend recording a decline of 2 percent during last year, compared to 2012.