Japan's textile and apparel imports hit new high in August

In August, Japan saw a 13.7% year-on-year decrease but a 16.4% month-on-month increase in textile and apparel imports, totaling 231,600 tons. Specifically, imports from China amounted to 128,000 tons, showing a 9.4% year-on-year decline but a 25.8% month-on-month increase, contributing to the overall import reaching a 9-month high.

Within this, apparel imports accounted for 102,000 tons, marking a 9.6% year-on-year drop but a significant 44% month-on-month increase. Import of apparel from China was 62,000 tons, reflecting a 12% year-on-year decrease but an impressive 60% month-on-month rise, setting a 10-month high in import volume.

Although the growth rate of textile and apparel imports into Japan has decreased notably in the current year due to reduced textile imports post-pandemic and a high base in 2022, August witnessed a peak for the year.

Notably, the proportion of imports from China reached 55.1%, a high not seen since November 2022.

Examining clothing imports, the slowdown in imports from China is particularly pronounced, underscoring the evolving dynamics in this sector.