Japanese Denim Exports continued to decline into the second half of 2005. Shipments in November were poor overall despite slightly lower prices. Supplies to major markets such as Hong Kong and the US fall and sales to Vietnam and Italy are also weaker although China increased orders by 50 per cent.
Japanese Denim Export performance figures have been slipping into the red during the second half of 2005, latest data confirm.
Lower November sales
The volume of bulk shipped in November for HS category 520942 was 8.25 per cent lower than the same month in 2004.
Sales figures were healthier during the first half of the year but have weakened thereafter and the difference of volume shipped for the year to November is now only 3 per cent higher than the same period a year ago.
Major markets such as Hong Kong and the US have continued to buy less denim from Japan whilst sales to other leading markets such as Italy and Vietnam were also down.
Vietnam had increased purchases by a huge 142 per cent in July but had actually fallen 4.4 per cent in November whilst Italian buyers imported 82 per cent fewer volume compared to November 2004.
On the other hand, shipments to China were revitalised during the month rising 47 per cent following weaker sales during the first part of the year.
Competition and lower US demand
Both Japanese and Taiwanese exporters have been facing a two-pronged problem in the face of lower US demand and stiffer competition.
US importers bought 30 per cent less denim in the eight months to August compared to 2004.
This was a problem for most denim exporting nations especially as importers were continually attracted to Chinese and Turkish merchandise at the expense of traditionally larger exporters such as Japan, Taiwan and Mexico.
In addition, shipments from rivals such as Hong Kong have continued to rise in 2005 despite lower Japanese unit prices.
Unit values fractionally lower
The overall sales shrinkage is also in spite of slightly reducing unit values in November compared to both 2005 as a whole and the same month in 2004.
Prices averaged at US$3.58 per square metre compared to $3.62 for the year whilst also being a fractional 0.18 per cent lower than November 2004.
And, exports to Vietnam begin declining in November although importers there paid one of the lowest prices at just $2.95 per square metre whilst US and Italian buyers spent over $5 each.
