Japan–Imports Of Denim Fabrics | 2012-2013

Japan is the most important region for denim production , when we speak of niche , premium and selvedge denim fabrics.  While Japanese producers love their own denim and most of the jeans produced in Japan is made from their own denim. However, there is some quantity that is being imported from different countries.

In this report we shall look at the imports of denim fabrics from various destinations around the world in Jan-July 2013 vs same period in 2012. We had previously covered the exports from Japan in another report. This report will cover:

1. Quantities of denim fabrics imported from various countries around the world in the period Jan-July 2013 and 2012 (table) and graph)
2. Average prices from each destination and as a consolidated figure will be there in a table.
3. It would be interesting to see the average weight of fabrics being imported from different countries. Some surprises here as Japan is normally considered to be fond of  heavier denims.
4. Change in imports and prices in 2013 vs that in 2012 (table)

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We can see a fall of about 12.5% in imports in 2013 as compared to 2012. The overall imports fell from 1.53 million mtrs in Jan-July ‘12 to  1.34 million mtrs in 2013. This fall may or may not be temporary. We have seen that the imports sometimes tend to make up in the later part of the year. We will have a better idea when we look again at the figures towards the end of the year.

Lets look at some of the top exporting countries which exported denim fabrics to Japan.

Imports of Denim Fabrics in Japan (Countrywise)

China’s exports are almost 50% of the imports of denim fabrics into Japan. It has increased its share from 40% in 2012 to 50% in 2013 . The other important exporting nations are Indonesia  and Taiwan , exporting about another 40% of denim fabrics to Japan. Within these countries, Indonesia again seems to have lost some sales to China and has lost some market share. China, due to its proximity and a better understanding of the Japanese market due to its higher business links, is in a better position to serve this market.

Turkey, though currently exporting only a small quantity of denim to Japan, seems to have increased its share a bit , specially when the overall imports of denim have fallen. Turkish companies have been trying very hard to enter the Japanese market and seem to have made some dent there – though its still a miniscule quantity.
Other countries like India, Hong Kong and other countries are small players in this market.

Av prices of Imports of Denim Fabrics Into Japan

Note : Prices in yen converted into USD prices assuming 1 USD = 100 yen

When we look at the price levels of denim fabric imported in Japan, it is hard to believe that the denim is being imported there at such low prices. With average prices of  about $2.40/ sq mtr which comes to about $3.60/ mtr for a 150 cm fabric in 2012 and about $4.65/mtr in 2013 , we realize that the prices are quite low. These prices are very far off from the levels at which Japanese denim is being sold.
So, is Japan importing low quality fabrics from other countries ? This may be true to some extent but not entirely , because of following reasons :

a) Japanese companies have their own denim fabric units in China and they import some fabrics from their own units. The prices for such fabrics may be not reflective of market prices . Eg Kurabo has its own manufacturing in China .Similarly, Nissinhbo has its own unit in Indonesia which might be exporting fabrics to the parent unit.

b) Turkey , which is a quality denim producer and a late entrant to this market seems to be exporting at very good prices of about $5.3-$5.5 per sq mtr or about $8/mtr for a 150 cm fabric. This is a good price ! .

b) Japan also has some low end market which sells jeans at very low prices. Some of this fabric may have imported for manufacturing these kind of jeans.

Weight of Fabrics Imported

Japan is normally considered to be a market where heavier wt. rigid  fabrics are normally preferred . Manufacturers are known to excel in production of very heavy fabrics ranging from 16oz to 29oz!! 
Though this might be true for locally produced fabrics, the imported fabrics do not show such a trend. The imported fabrics are in the weight range of  11oz –11.5oz , which is the normal weight range in other denim regions like EU. Though, when we look at 2012 and 2013 figures , we find a small trend towards weight increase from all main exporting countries except Turkey..

Av weight of Imported Denim Fabrics Into Japan

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