For the past 20 years Japanese exports of textiles and apparel have hovered somewhere between US$6.8b and 8.9b. Exports to Asia account for nearly 80% of the total, and about 40% of the total exports goes to China. Exports to Western Europe and North America represent about 10%, though exports to both regions tend to decrease. Textile and apparel imports into Japan have been increasing over the past 10 years, with the tendency toward a strong Yen. After hitting an all-time high of $27.4b in 1996, imports remained at high levels. Imports for 2002 and 2001 however were below the figures of the preceding years reflecting slowdown in consumer spending due to prolonged economic stagnation and excessive supply of finished products, especially low-priced products, due to disorderly imports over the past two years. Unless the general economy recovers, there will be no room for further expansion of consumption or to increase in imports.
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