New Zealand’s apparel imports rose 5.9% year on year in September 2026, marking a third consecutive monthly increase, according to Fibre2Fashion. However, imports during January to September remained virtually unchanged compared with the same period last year. Knitted apparel imports increased, while non-knitted apparel imports declined. Meanwhile, apparel exports fell in September as shipments of knitted clothing decreased, despite growth in non-knitted apparel exports.