Combined textile and apparel imports fell **.** per cent year on year to $***.** million during January-May ****, compared with $***.** million in the corresponding period of ****. Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products declined **.** per cent to $***.** million from $***.** million a year earlier. Imports of articles of apparel and clothing accessories edged down *.** per cent to $***.** million from $***.** million, while imports of textile fibre and waste decreased *.** per cent to $**.** million from $**.** million.
In May ****, the country’s combined textile and apparel imports declined to $***.** million from $***.** million in May ****. Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products fell to $***.** million from $***.** million. Imports of articles of apparel and clothing accessories decreased to $**.** million from $**.** million, while imports of textile fibre and waste increased to $**.** million from $**.** million.
On the export front, the Philippines posted moderate growth during January-May ****. Combined textile and apparel exports increased *.** per cent year on year to $***.** million, compared with $***.** million in the corresponding period of ****. Apparel and clothing accessories exports slipped marginally to $***.** million from $***.** million, while exports of textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products rose strongly to $***.** million from $***.** million, helping offset the slight decline in apparel shipments.
Exports strengthened in May ****, supported by gains in both apparel and textile shipments. Exports of articles of apparel and clothing accessories increased to $**.** million from $**.** million in May ****, while exports of textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products rose to $**.** million from $**.** million. As a result, combined textile and apparel exports climbed to $**.** million in May ****, compared with $**.** million a year earlier.