The volume and value of Japan's textile and apparel imports increased month-on-month and year-on-year in January. As per a CCF Group report, Japan's textile imports increased 18.1 per cent to 336.79billion yen from the same period last year. Of this, imports from China increased by 19.9 per cent to 201.43billion yen from the same period last year.

Japan's main sales discount season spans the months of November and December. The Black Friday and Christmas are the two main discount events for the country. The Japanese celebrate New Year on January 1 which lasts for two weeks. After the peak consumption season in the fourth quarter, Japanese merchants often replenish their stocks in January. Hence, imports of textiles and apparels increase during the month compared with December. The growth of Japan's textile and apparel imports from China was greater than that of total imports during Janaury. The growth rate of imports value was higher than that of imports volume, reflecting the increase in unit prices and the impact of inflation.

China is the largest exporter of textile and apparel to Japan with an overwhelming share of 50 per cent-60 per cent.