New Zealand’s apparel imports fell 6.8 per cent YoY in January 2026 as retailers maintained cautious sourcing and inventory discipline.
Both knitted and woven garment shipments declined, while apparel exports also softened.
In contrast, textile fabric imports and knitted fabric exports grew strongly.
The trend signals weaker apparel trade but resilient intermediate textile demand.New Zealand’s apparel imports fell 6.8 per cent YoY in January 2026 as retailers maintained cautious sourcing and inventory discipline.
Both knitted and woven garment shipments declined, while apparel exports also softened.
In contrast, textile fabric imports and knitted fabric exports grew strongly.
The trend signals weaker apparel trade but resilient intermediate textile demand.
