Imports of knitted apparel (HS **) declined to NZ$***.** million (~$***.* million) in January–May **** from NZ$***.** million a year earlier, down *.* per cent. Non-knitted apparel (HS **) imports also fell to NZ$***.** million (~$***.* million) from NZ$***.** million, registering a decline of *.* per cent. The similar pace of decline across both categories indicates broad-based moderation in apparel imports.
In contrast, textile fabric imports (HS **) rose to NZ$**.** million (~$**.* million) during January–May **** from NZ$**.** million in the corresponding period of ****, up **.* per cent. The increase suggests that demand for intermediate textile inputs remained relatively stronger than demand for finished garments. New Zealand continued to remain primarily a garment-importing nation.
In May ****, apparel imports increased to NZ$***.** million (~$**.* million) from NZ$***.** million in May ****, reflecting growth of *.* per cent year on year. Knitted apparel imports rose to NZ$**.** million (~$**.* million) from NZ$**.** million, while non-knitted apparel imports increased to NZ$**.** million from NZ$**.** million.
Textile fabric imports recorded stronger growth in May ****, rising to NZ$*.** million (~$*.* million) from NZ$*.** million in May ****, an increase of **.* per cent. This indicates continued resilience in textile input demand despite subdued apparel import trends on a cumulative basis.
