Textiles

Japan’s domestic production of clothing materials such as leather, yarns and textiles has been in decline for several years, resulting in a downward trend in the volume of imports. China is the largest exporter to Japan for all apparel products. Nonetheless, EU countries remain the largest exporters of high-end apparel products to Japan. Find out more about Japan's textile industry below.

About Textiles

— Latest update: February 2023 —

Japan has a long history of textile production, and is one of the largest producers of technical textiles.

— Latest update: June 2022 —

Japan remains the world’s third-largest fashion apparel importer after the EU and the US. As one of the leading fashion markets in the world, Japan is also a trendsetter for other countries in Asia.

Leather and Footwear

— Latest update: March 2022 —

The Japanese leather industry is dominated by SMEs, producing in rather small quantities.

Silk

— Latest update: March 2022 —

With its long tradition in silk production, Japan has been at the forefront of the global silk industry in the early 20th century.

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EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Joint venture established in 1987 by the European Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Government (METI) for promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan.