According to statistics released from the Japan Spinners’ Association based on Ministry of Finance trade statistics, the nation’s imports of cotton fabrics during January-June 2020 increased by 2.1% year-on-year to 117.08 million square meters.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, imports from China showed a remarkable recovery. Imports from China (the largest supplier) climbed 29.4% to 59 million square meters. Imports from China recovered significantly from a low level in 2019, and China again increased its presence as a supplier of cotton fabrics.
Imports from Indonesia rose 2.1% to 25.72 million square meters. Together with supplies from Japanese-affiliated textile firms, Indonesia continued to keep its position as the second largest supplier after China.
Meanwhile, imports from Pakistan dropped 16.7% to 21.61 million square meters. Since imports from Pakistan mainly consist of commodity fabrics, competition with China was considered to have been intense.
Imports of polyester/cotton blended fabrics continued to decrease at a sharp rate, down 29.2% during the first half to 31.69 million square meters. Demand for application in uniforms, etc. lacked vigor, and the fall in cotton and cotton yarn prices is considered to have reduced the share of cotton fabrics.