Growth in China's clothing and textile exports will slow to 15 percent this year because of an expected increase in domestic consumption and a stronger yuan, the National Development and Reform Commission said.

Overseas shipments of clothing and textile products will increase to US$135 billion, from US$117.5 billion last year, when the exports grew 20.7 percent, China's top planning agency said yesterday on its Website.

Premier Wen Jiabao has said spurring consumer spending is a government priority this year with the goal of making the economy less dependent on exports and investment in factories and roads. The government also wants to bolster consumption to encourage imports.

Source: ShanghaiDaily.com