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UK clothing exports dip in Sept amid weak global demand

Textile fabric exports fell *.** per cent to £*** million (~$***.** million) from £*** million in September ****, largely due to weaker European manufacturing activity and inventory caution among buyers. However, the sharp month-on-month rise from £*** million suggests restocking and improved shipment flows. Fibre exports weakened to £** million (~$**.** million), compared with £** million a year earlier, as global yarn spinners adjusted production to slower apparel consumption. Even so, the improvement from £** million in August **** reflects marginal recovery in raw-material demand.

In the third quarter (Q*) of ****, UK clothing exports totalled £*** million (~$***.** million), down **.** per cent from £*** million in Q* ****. This steep fall mirrors the prolonged downturn across major European retail markets, where inflation-linked cost pressures and cautious consumer spending have weighed on imports. The slight improvement from £*** million in Q* **** points to stabilisation rather than a broader rebound.