The textiles sector comprises about 2,000 businesses which employ over 15,000 workers, and supports an indirect industry and workforce of many more thousands of people. The sector exports about $500 million of product annually, being textiles, carpet, footwear and apparel.

Australia is the largest export market, worth $330.4 million.  USA is the second largest export market, worth $53m, followed by UK at $18m, Hong Kong $11.5m, United Arab Emirates $7m,  and Fiji $6m. Exports to China almost doubled in value from 2005 to 2008.

The apparel industry is the largest employer of the textiles sector.

In February 2008 the apparel sector employed approx. 6,130 people in over 900 enterprises. Apparel businesses tend to employ small numbers of staff, generally five or less. In terms of location, most apparel manufacturers are located in Auckland, Canterbury, Manawatu-Horowhenua-Wanganui and also Wellington. The apparel industry earned around $150m ($FOB) in export receipts in 2008.

Reference: ©Statistics New Zealand