Malaysian textile and apparel exports see rise by 10 percent in the first half of 2016 from RM6.33 billion to RM6.99 billion a year ago. The demand for textile and apparels is expected to increase further to US$160 billion (RRM641.2 billion) at the end of 2018, said Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

The surge is driven by increasing global demand for high quality textile and clothing from Malaysia, as well as rising purchasing power in major importing countries, namely the US, European Union countries, and Canada.

With Asia being a major source of imports from the US and EU nations, the global demand in terms of volume is expected to reach 30 million tonnes by 2018.

According to Ahmad, 970 garment and textile factories were registered with the ministry, of which over 400 are into making ready-made garments, 80 (thread) and 108 (knitted fabric).

The Malaysian Textiles and Apparel Sector includes products such as man-made fibers, yarn, knit and woven fabric, non-wovens, industrial and advanced textile materials, knit and woven apparel, carpets and rugs, and home furnishing products.

Moreover, with the new TPP market, Malaysia will eliminate import taxes on 79.2% of U.S. textiles and apparel exports immediately.

Malaysian textile industry started with the emergence of weaving mills producing grey cotton fabrics few decades ago and today, the industry covers a broad range of activities from spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and printing, silk screen to embroidery. Today, Malaysia is recognized for quality, reliability and prompt delivery of a myriad and ever changing range of fashionable apparel and textile items.