Japan’s clothing and textile imports surged by 14.9% in July 2024, reaching $2.8 billion

Japan’s clothing and textile imports surged significantly in July 2024, marking a 14.9% increase compared to the same month last year. According to recent data, the total value of these imports reached $2.8 billion, up from $2.44 billion in July 2023. This growth reflects rising consumer demand and Japan’s reliance on imported textiles to meet domestic needs.

A closer look at the numbers reveals that clothing imports alone saw a robust 12.5% year-on-year increase, totaling .

9 billion. Meanwhile, textile imports, including fabrics and yarn, experienced an even more impressive rise of 18.2%, reaching $900 million. This uptick is largely driven by the recovery in consumer spending following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and a resurgence in the retail sector.

China remains Japan’s top supplier, accounting for nearly 55% of the total clothing and textile imports. In July 2024, Japan imported $1.54 billion worth of goods from China, a 10% increase from the previous year. Other significant suppliers include Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India, all of which have also seen double-digit growth in their export volumes to Japan.



The surge in imports underscores Japan’s growing demand for affordable and diverse fashion options, as well as high-quality textiles used in various industries. However, it also highlights the country’s dependence on international markets, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.



As Japan’s import volumes continue to rise, the focus on securing stable and cost-effective supply chains will be crucial for sustaining this momentum.