KULAI: Malaysia’s textile and apparel exports rose 10% to RM6.99 billion in the first half of 2016 (1H2016) from RM6.33 billion a year ago, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

He said the surge was 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.

“The demand for textile and apparels is expected to increase to US$160 billion (RRM641.2 billion) at the end of 2018.

“In terms of volume, the global demand is expected to reach 30 million tonnes by 2018, with Asia being a major source of imports from the US and EU nations,” he told reporters after visiting a textile mill owned by D & Y Textile (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in the Sedenak Industrial Park, here yesterday.

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