Australia's apparel imports rise 6.7% to $7.94 bn in Jul-May FY25

Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-up articles (classified under code 65) rose by 5.17 per cent, reaching Au$4.251 billion (~$2.785 billion) in the first eleven months of the current fiscal, compared to Au$4.042 billion in the same period last fiscal. Conversely, fibre imports (classified under code 26) fell to Au$109 million, down from Au$117 million during the period under review.

In May 2025, imports of apparel and clothing accessories increased by 8.39 per cent to Au$0.997 billion, up from Au$0.920 billion in May 2024. However, imports of textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles, and related products eased to Au$386 million, compared to Au$392 million in May 2024. Fibre imports were higher at Au$12 million, compared to Au$10 million in May 2024.

Meanwhile, Australia's exports of textile fibres (code 26) were valued at Au$5.499 billion (~$3.602 billion) during July 2024–May 2025, marking a 13.83 per cent decrease from Au$6.382 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Exports in May 2025 fell by 15.56 per cent to Au$358 million, compared to Au$424 million in May 2024.

In fiscal 2023–24, Australia's apparel and clothing imports totalled Au$12.231 billion (~$7.748 billion), a decline of 5.2 per cent from Au$12.903 billion recorded in 2022–23. Similarly, imports of textile yarn and fabrics dropped by 9.40 per cent, from Au$4.825 billion in 2022–23 to Au$4.371 billion (~$2.767 billion) in 2023–24.

Australia exported textile fibres worth Au$7.053 billion (~$4.465 billion) in 2023–24, representing a decline of 13.97 per cent from Au$8.199 billion in 2022–23. Notably, Australia remains a significant producer and exporter of cotton.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)