In fiscal year 2008, Thailand textile and garment industry imported US $3.17 billion worth of textile materials for local production, representing a year – on – year growth of 17.8 percent, Thailand Textile Institute reported.
Of the amount, imports turnover of yarn and fibres were worth $1.599 billion, rising by 27.5 percent over 2, while value of fabrics imported into the country stood at $1.572 billion, an increase of 9.4 percent.
From among the countries, which supplied fabric to Thailand, imports from China topped the list, totaling to $678 million, up 17.02 percent, EU $136.3 million, down 1.16 percent, Japan $124.2 million, up 7.16 percent and shipments from ASEAN touched $84.2 million, up 22.21 percent.