In 2011 Malaysia’s textile and clothing exports increased by a significant 28.4% to US$3.8 billion. Within this total, textile exports grew by 33.5% to US$2.5 billion, representing a 65.3% share of total textile and clothing exports, while clothing exports increased by 19.8% to US$1.3 billion, representing a 34.7% share.

The Malaysian textile and clothing industry is hoping that the robust advances achieved in 2011 mark the start of a strong upward trend in its exports.

These hopes are based on ambitious government plans for further development of the textile and clothing industry, which involve a focus on high-tech and higher added value products, in line with the Malaysian economy generally.

These plans reflect the fact that, despite rapid growth in other industrial sectors in recent years, the Malaysian government still regards textiles and clothing as an industry with potential.

Also, Malaysia is a particularly attractive location for foreign investors. The Malaysian government has demonstrated its support for and its commitment to business, and policies have been implemented to establish a favourable environment in which there are opportunities for companies to achieve growth and generate profits.

Several new growth areas in the textile and clothing industry have been identified for promotion in the country’s Third Industrial Master Plan. These areas include industrial and home textiles, functional fabrics, ethnic fabrics and high-end fabrics and garments. In addition, there are plans for greater emphasis on key support facilities and services, such as design houses, fashion centres, and specialised dyeing and finishing facilities.

‘Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in Malaysia’ was published by the global business information company Textiles Intelligence in Textile Outlook International. It can be purchased on Knitting Industry long with the following other reports:

Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in Malaysia

World Textile and Apparel Trade and Production Trends: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

Product Developments and Innovations

New Technologies and Techniques for Garment Decoration

World Markets for Textile Machinery: Part 1 – Yarn Manufacture