Despite the slide in April, total readymade garments since January this year was up 10.26 per cent in volume and 12.37 per cent in value compared to corresponding period last year.

During January-April, the exports increased to 54.14 crore pieces valued at $ 1.95 billion (Rs 8,296.90 crore) against 49.21 crore pieces valued at $ 1.73 billion in January-April 1998.

While readymade garments to the US declined in April by 3.65 per cent in volume and 7.05 per cent in value, cumulative shipments from January were up by 18.03 per cent in quantity and 11.79 per cent in dollar terms.

During April, exports to Washington slipped to 2.11 crore pieces valued at $ 113 million (Rs 485.87 crore) against 2.19 crore pieces worth $ 112 million (Rs 485 crore).

ForJanuary-April this year, 11.26 crore pieces were valued at $ 603 million against 9.54 crore pieces valued at $ 539.5 million a year ago.