The chart compares the average price per kilometre of cloth imported into the European Union from six major countries between 1997 and 2003, measured in pounds.
Overall, Argentina and Brazil consistently recorded the highest prices across both years, while Bangladesh remained the cheapest source of clothing imported.
In 1997, Argentina was the most expensive exporter, with prices at approximately £28 per kilometre, followed closely by Brazil at around £23. By 2003, the cost of Argentine clothing had fallen marginally to about £26, while Brazil’s figure remained virtually unchanged. Japan also saw a decrease, with prices dropping from roughly £15 to £13, indicating a downward trend among some higher-priced suppliers.
By contrast, several lower-cost countries showed substantial growth. China’s average price rose markedly from £10 in 1997 to around £17 in 2003, overtaking Japan by the end of the period. Similarly, India experienced an increase from approximately £7 to £12. Although Bangladesh remained the least expensive exporter throughout, its price doubled from about £3 to £6, representing the fastest proportional growth among all six countries.