Cumulative imports for January–September **** under Chapters ** and **—covering knitted/crocheted and woven apparel, respectively—were higher than the NZ$*,***.** million imported during the same period of ****. Within this total, imports under Chapter ** grew *.* per cent to NZ$***.** million (~$*** million), while Chapter ** rose *.* per cent to NZ$***.** million (~$*** million). The stronger growth in knitted apparel reflects the shift towards comfortable, casual, and athleisure wear, which continues to dominate consumer spending patterns post-pandemic.
Imports of textile fabrics (Chapter **) continued to expand at a faster pace, climbing *.* per cent to NZ$**.** million, compared with NZ$**.** million in ****. The category’s steady growth underscores ongoing demand for knitted and woven fabrics used in domestic apparel manufacturing and retail supply chains. Local garment makers have been increasingly sourcing specialty and performance fabrics to meet evolving fashion trends and sustainability expectations.
