Abstract
Japan is a major global textile and clothing producer (T&C), with one of the
world' s wealthiest consumer
clothing markets and a long tradition of
manufacturing expertise, particularly in textiles and synthetic
fibres.
BMI ranks it as number six in the world in terms of textile and clothing
manufacturing value
added. In nominal terms we estimate that to have been
worth US$17.2bn in 2008. The local T&C sector
has been undergoing a
long-term ' deindustrialisation' process as manufacturing moves offshore to
take
advantage of more competitive wages, particularly in China and other
Asian countries. We see this
accelerating in the current global recession.
The large fashion, design, marketing and retail distribution
segment of
the business that remains Japan-based will also have to cope with the expected
slump in
consumer demand.
Overall Japan textile and clothing value
added will fall/ by 11.5% in 2009, and again by 4.7% in 2010,
reflecting
very difficult international economic conditions. We see annual contraction
continuing in 2011,
but at a much slower rate. The industry' s trade
performance will also reflect the especially difficult
international
economic situation. Combined T&C exports will drop 35.1% to US$5.53bn, while
imports
will drop 28.5% to US$26.37bn. Japan will have a T&C trade deficit
of US$20.82bn this year.
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