China is the largest clothing manufacturer globally. Clothing manufacturing is a major global industry involving many nations, each contributing its unique strengths and competitive advantages to supply chains worldwide.
In this article, we’ll talk about the biggest clothing-manufacturing countries in the world.
Top 10 Clothing Manufacturing Countries in the World
China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam lead as the largest clothing manufacturing countries globally. China boasts the highest output, with over 28% of the world’s garments produced there.
The top 10 clothing manufacturing countries in the world, based on their exports, ranks, and contributions to the industry, are:
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List of Biggest Clothing Manufacturing Countries
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Rank
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Country
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Strengths
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Exports
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Interesting Facts
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1
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China
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Extensive infrastructure, skilled workforce, efficient supply chains, diverse production capabilities
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Apparel, textiles, footwear
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– Rich history in silk and textiles.
– Dominates global garment production.
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2
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Bangladesh
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Low labor costs, large workforce, focus on efficiency
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Garments, knitwear, woven wear
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– Rapidly growing industry.
– Strong focus on ethical labor practices.
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3
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Vietnam
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Skilled labor, competitive costs, improving quality, focus on sustainability
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Garments, footwear, textiles
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– Emerging as a major apparel exporter.
– Known for responsible manufacturing practices.
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4
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India
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Rich textile heritage, diverse craftsmanship, growing modern infrastructure
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Garments, textiles, home textiles
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– Strong presence in cotton production.
– Offers a blend of tradition and technology.
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5
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Turkey
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Strategic location (bridge between Europe and Asia), skilled labor, established industry
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Garments, knitwear, denim
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– Long history in textiles and craftsmanship.
– Versatile in both mass production and luxury fashion.
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6
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Italy
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High-quality fabrics, focus on design and innovation, strong luxury brands
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High-end garments, leather goods, footwear
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– Renowned for fashion expertise and craftsmanship.
– Home to iconic luxury brands.
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7
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Indonesia
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Diverse production capabilities, growing skilled workforce
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Garments, footwear, textiles
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– Largest Muslim population globally, potential for Islamic fashion.
– Rising player in the global apparel market.
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8
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United States
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Strong domestic market, diverse manufacturing base, technological advancements
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Jeans, sportswear, activewear
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– Home to major fashion brands and retailers.
– Significant influence on global fashion trends.
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9
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Germany
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Advanced technology, focus on quality and innovation
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Technical textiles, automotive textiles, machinery
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– Leading manufacturer of textile machinery.
– Known for high-quality technical fabrics.
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10
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Thailand
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Competitive costs, skilled workforce, growing focus on sustainability
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Garments, underwear, sportswear
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– Strong presence in sportswear manufacturing.
– Increasing focus on eco-friendly practices.
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Let’s learn about the top 10 largest clothing manufacturing countries in detail.
10. Thailand
Thailand is becoming a major player in clothing manufacturing. Because of the country’s skilled labor force, business-enabling environment, and globalized position, Thailand is currently competing as a major player in the global textile space.
The country is a strong player in the market because of its variety of textiles and raised craftsmanship. The country, through leaps and bounds, faces challenges such as work rights and economic fluctuations, which nonetheless attests to its international presence that it is moving towards a sustainable and ethical future.
- Global Ranking: Thailand ranks as the tenth-largest clothing manufacturer globally, contributing around 1.9% of global textile and apparel exports.
- Economic Significance: The garment industry plays a vital role in the Thai economy, employing approximately 1 million people and contributing 8% to the country’s GDP.
9. Germany
Germany is undoubtedly one of the important countries in the cloth production field, known for innovation, and high level of quality. The country is a leader in making extraordinary tops, due to the expertise of workers and the best technological equipment. Additionally, Germany pays great attention to both sustainable manufacturing and ethical behavior in its trade.
- Focus on high-value products: The German textile industry emphasizes high-quality, technical textiles used in various applications like automobiles, medical equipment, and industrial purposes.
- Shifting production: Like the US, Germany’s garment manufacturing has declined over the years, with production moving to countries with lower labor costs.
- Strong domestic market: Germany boasts a robust domestic market for fashion, with a focus on high-end and locally-produced clothing.
8. United States
The USA is the eighth biggest clothing maker worldwide, famous for its rich culture, top quality, and advanced technologies. American Union shares a well-developed economy and highly skilled people, this brings a large number of brands into the market. Efficiency and automation are a must, in addition to ultimate commitment to sustainability and ethics should be exercised.
- Limited role in global exports: The US contributes a negligible percentage to global textile and apparel exports.
- Shift in production: Over the past few decades, the US garment industry has undergone a significant decline, with a large portion of manufacturing shifting to countries with lower labor costs, primarily in Asia.
- Focus on design and retail: The US fashion industry focuses more on design, branding, and retail aspects, with the majority of clothing manufactured overseas.
7. Indonesia
Indonesia and Vietnam are both big in clothing making. They have lots of resources, skilled workers, and good locations. Though Indonesia faces issues like ethics and the environment, it still aims to grow globally, meet customer needs, and be sustainable.
Indonesia and Vietnam are both big in clothing making. They have lots of resources, skilled workers, and good locations. Though Indonesia faces issues like ethics and the environment, it still aims to grow globally, meet customer needs, and be sustainable.
- Global Ranking: Indonesia holds the seventh position as a clothing exporter in the world, contributing around 2.8% to global textile and apparel exports.
- Growing Importance: The garment industry plays an increasingly important role in the Indonesian economy, employing over 1.8 million people and contributing approximately 5.5% to the country’s GDP.
6. Italy
Italy is the sixth biggest clothing maker worldwide. It’s famous for its traditional craftsmanship and making genuine, top-notch goods. This reputation comes from mixing luxury fashion with modern tech. Italy has skilled artisans who use the best fabrics to make top-quality clothes.
- Global Ranking: Italy holds the sixth position in the world’s clothing exporters, contributing around 3.2% to global textile and apparel exports.
- Fashion Powerhouse: Despite its ranking in exports, Italy remains a major player in the global fashion industry, renowned for its high-quality, luxury clothing and strong brand presence.
- Strong Domestic Market: Italy exhibits a vibrant domestic market for high-end fashion, attracting tourists and contributing significantly to the industry’s success.
5. Turkey
Turkey is the fifth biggest clothing maker in the world. It’s known for its long experience, modern facilities, and skilled workers. Turkish companies use advanced technology and offer a wide range of products, making them market leaders.
- Global Ranking: Turkey holds the fifth position as a clothing exporter worldwide, contributing around 3.8% to global textile and apparel exports.
- Economic Driver: The clothing industry plays a significant role in the Turkish economy, employing over 1 million people and contributing 7% to the country’s GDP.
- Turkey is a major supplier to the European Union, with Germany and Spain being its top export destinations.
4. India
India holds the fourth position as the world’s top clothing-manufacturing country in the world. It is known for its deep-rooted heritage, skilled labor, and big production. It also offers highly competitive pricing which is beneficial as the favorable platform to both local and international companies for the purchase and sell activity to influence the market.
- Global Ranking: India is the fourth-largest clothing exporter in the world, accounting for around 4% of global textile and apparel exports.
- Economic Significance: The garment industry is a major contributor to the Indian economy, employing over 40 million people, which is roughly 8% of the country’s workforce.
- India is focusing on modernization and upgradation of its textile industry to improve efficiency, product quality, and meet global sustainability standards.
3. Vietnam
Vietnam is the third largest clothing manufacturer worldwide, which is also known for having a good reputation among suppliers for its skilled and low-cost workforce. It is characterized by a well-developed garment industry that is supported by the government through its policies, and it is backed by investments. Several large businesses from other countries view Vietnam as a way to improve efficiency and meet high-quality standards.
- Global Ranking: Vietnam is the third-largest clothing exporter in the world, accounting for around 6.4% of global textile and apparel exports.
- Economic Contribution: The garment industry is a significant pillar of Vietnam’s modern economy, employing over 2.7 million people, which is roughly 3.1% of the country’s population.
- Shifting Focus: Vietnam is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices in the garment industry to attract more ethical brands and cater to the growing demand for sustainable clothing.
2. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the second largest clothing manufacturer in the world, as it is known for making affordable clothes. Clothes are preferably produced by professional workers and are sold at very low prices. Bangladesh has large factories and women-run sewing factories which enable it to manufacture clothes fast and effectively. Also, apart from being easily accessible to international customers, it is very convenient to reach the whole world.
- Global Ranking: Bangladesh is the second-largest clothing exporter globally, following China, accounting for around 16% of global textile and apparel exports.
- Economic Significance: The garment industry is a significant contributor to Bangladesh’s economy, employing over 4 million people, which is roughly 2% of the country’s population.
- Workforce Advantage: Bangladesh has a relatively young and low-cost workforce, making it an attractive option for many clothing brands.
- Infrastructure Improvements: The country has made significant improvements in its infrastructure in recent years, including developing its transportation networks and communication systems.
1. China
China is the world’s top clothing marketer, known for its huge and efficient production. It employs tons of people and has modern facilities for making clothes up-to-date and at a good price. The whole production process of the garment industry in China can easily respond to different customer tastes since they can do anything ranging from making fabrics to putting up clothes.
- Market Share: China holds the top spot as the world’s leading clothing manufacturer, accounting for over 50% of global textile and apparel exports.
- Longstanding Expertise: China has a long history in textile production, counting back thousands of years. This rich tradition has contributed to their skilled workforce and industry knowledge.
- Vast Workforce: The garment industry in China employs over 70 million workers, forming a significant portion of the country’s workforce.
- Infrastructure Advantage: China has a well-developed infrastructure, including an extensive network of high-speed railways and ports, facilitating efficient manufacturing and logistics.
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FAQs on Top Clothing Manufacturing Countries in the World
Which country is the biggest clothing manufacturer?
China is the biggest clothing manufacturer in the world.
What are the top 10 garment-producing countries in the world?
Some of the top garment-producing countries are China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Turkey, Italy, Indonesia, the United States, Germany, and Thailand.
Which country has the biggest fashion industry?
Both China and the United States have the biggest fashion industry, with China leading in exports and the US contributing heavily in revenue and brand recognition.
Which country is best for wholesale clothing?
China, Vietnam, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh are some of the best options for wholesale clothing.
Which is the largest cloth market in India?
India has numerous large cloth markets including Surat, Tirupur, Ludhiana, and Panipat.
Where is the maximum clothes manufactured in India?
A major part of cloth manufacturing in India is done in these cities – Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
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