The bar chart compares the average prices, in pounds, per kilometre of clothing imported into the European Union from six countries in 1997 and 2003.
Overall, Argentina recorded the highest average import price in both years, although its figure declined slightly. By contrast, China, India and Bangladesh experienced substantial increases, while Japan saw a moderate fall. Brazil’s figure remained virtually unchanged.
In 1997, clothing from Argentina had the highest average price, at approximately £28 per kilometre, followed by Brazil, at around £23. Japan ranked third, with a figure of £15, whereas the corresponding prices for China and India were considerably lower, at about £10 and £7, respectively. Bangladesh had by far the lowest figure, at only £3 per kilometre.
By 2003, Argentina’s figure had fallen marginally to £26, while Brazil remained stable at roughly £23. Japan also experienced a modest decline, from £15 to approximately £13. In contrast, China’s average price rose markedly to £17, overtaking Japan and becoming the second-highest figure after Argentina. India also recorded a notable increase, reaching £12, while Bangladesh’s figure doubled to approximately £6, although it remained the lowest among the six countries