Apparel Sourcing in Asia - Forecasts to 2016

This first edition report from just-style provides a complete overview of the macro issues and trends driving the apparel producing region of Asia. Beginning with a global overview, the report reviews the main drivers and looks at consumption trends of Asia-produced apparel in the main Western markets of the EU, United States and Japan.

We have compiled data for imported Asia-produced apparel by garment category for these Western markets. The data trends historic volumes from 2006 and just-style has forecasted these trend lines out to 2016.

The report then reviews each major producing country across Northeast, Southeast and South Asia. Conclusions discuss global trends in apparel sourcing, inventory pressures, the changing trends of the Asia sourcing market, increasing domestic demand, changing clothing & materials trends and potential rivals to the Asian countries.

Extracts:

China has become the dominant power in the textiles industry, both through technological innovation and brand cultivation, and through its market share has achieved a greater level of bargaining power which is allowing it to increase its prices. As an illustration: over the last 20 years the world economy has increased by 1% and the world textile and apparel industry has grown by 2%, while the Chinese textile and apparel export industry has grown by 4.86% - more than double global growth.

Although Chinese exports to the US and EU are gradually being squeezed, no significant effect has yet been recorded and we expect growth to remain robust over the forecast period. In addition, China is now seeking out new markets, which is allowing it to expand its reach.

China's strategic plans for its own apparel industry are also an issue for the global apparel sourcing industry, as it takes steps to protect its domestic industry from foreign expansion. Western apparel retailers including GAP, Fast Retailing, Marks & Spencer and Esprit all recently announced plans for faster expansion in Asia in 2012-16, particularly in China. However, China's 12th Five Year Plan for 2011-16 has different ideas, with 25% of China's apparel exports targeted to come from domestic Chinese brands rather than foreign enterprise.