Imports of knitted and crocheted apparel under HS code ** reached around NZ$***.* million (~$***.* million) in the first eleven months of ****, up about * per cent from the same period last year. Woven apparel under HS code ** rose by a similar *.* per cent to approximately NZ$***.* million (~$***.* million). Compared with the January–October trend, growth moderated slightly, reflecting softer buying in November as retailers balanced summer demand with tighter stock management and ongoing efforts to avoid overstocking.
November **** highlighted this moderation. Monthly imports of HS ** and ** combined declined *.* per cent YoY to about NZ$***.* million (~$**.* million). Knitted apparel imports fell more sharply, down **.* per cent to NZ$**.* million, while woven apparel was broadly flat at NZ$** million. The weaker November performance points to continued caution in forward ordering, as retailers prioritised inventory clearance and promotional activity ahead of the year-end period.
