In the first half 2006, Vietnam's textile and garment industry imported US $103 million worth of cotton materials, registering year-on-year growth of 20 percent and 21 percent in term of volume and value, respectively.
Among all the supplying countries, India takes the top spot.
Although Vietnam grows substantial quantity of cotton, the industry has to largely depend on the imports to cater to the requirements of its domestic apparel and garment production.
This year, fibre imports amounted to $249 million at 161,000 tons, representing a 24 percent rise over the same period in 2005.
Meanwhile, cotton import price for Hong Kong's 100 percent-cotton fibre stood at around $5.2 per kilogram in July, showing a steep 21 percent decline.