- In 1995, domestic production of socks was 63,668,042 Deca (Deca = 10 pairs). 92.3% compared with the preceding year, and production of pantyhoses and tights was 151,549,094 Deca, 88.6% compared with the preceding year. Domestic production has shifted toward small quantity/wide variety, high value added products due to the diversification of consumers. Many socks are produced under brand licence, with unit prices of more than JPY1,300 per pair(retail price). There is presently only one company producing socks in Osaka city, with 30 companies in Osaka Prefecture. A number of factories are being closed each year, and the companies that have ceased production have been turned into wholesale stores.
- Out of the above, 849,000 Deca (82% compared with the preceding year), or JPY1,758, 980,000 worth of socks were exported to the U.S.A., Taiwan, Hong Kong and China etc. 1,567,000 Deca (77% compared with the preceding year), or JPY2,045,710,000(90%) worth of pantyhoses/tights were exported to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore etc. Total exports were 2,416,000 Deca (87% compared with the preceding year), amounting to JPY3,804,680,000 (85%).
* Countries exported:
Hong Kong
|
879,000 Deca(98%) |
JPY924,460,000(82%) |
| Taiwan |
460,000 Deca(59%) |
JPY880,200,000(66%) |
| U.S.A. |
266,000 Deca(91%) |
JPY814,310,000(98%) |
| Korea |
261,000 Deca(131%)
|
JPY541,880,000(137%)
|
| Others |
550,000 Deca(90%) |
JPY643,830,000(84%)
|
- Meanwhile, in 1995, 37,234,000 Deca (115% compared with the preceding year), JPY26, 672, 350,000 (111%) worth of socks were imported from Korea, China, Thailand, and the U.S.A. etc. 2,610,000 Deca (86% compared with the preceding year), JPY2,419,100,000 (104%) pantyhoses/tights were imported from China, Korea, U.S.A., and Italy etc. Total imports came to 39,844,000 Deca (113% compared with the preceding year), valued JPY29,091,450,000(111%).
* Countries imported:
| Korea |
20,579,000 Deca(107%)
|
15,233,130,000(110%)
|
| China |
12,731,000 Deca(132%) |
6,261,780,000(149%) |
| Thailand |
3,879,000 Deca(118%) |
3,099,690,000(113%) |
| U.S.A. |
1,895,000 Deca(71%) |
3,163,390,000(72%) |
| Others |
760,000 Deca(131%) |
1,333,460,000(128%)
|
- Most socks selling at the retail price of JPY1,000 for 3 pairs or JPY1,000 for 5 pairs are imported. Presently, 60% of socks are imported further, and it is expected that import share will increase in future. However, only 1.7% of pantyhoses/tights are imported. The reason for this is that the plants are entirely automated, so there is no need to shift production abroad. In the case of socks, however, there is advantage in producing in foreign countries where wages are low, because darning and packaging is labour intensive. In Japan, since wages are high, sewing machines are used for darning, however overseas workers darn by hand.
- Even when large quantities retailers, such as supermarkets, import socks directly, quantities required is not so large. Therefore, it is easier for them to import via trading companies.
- Large producers and wholesale stores are forming joint-ventures and establishing factories overseas founded by Japanese capital, in countries such as Korea, Thailand, China etc. Goods are manufacturered overseas and exported to Japan for sale. Most Japanese large-scaled companies have already entered overseas market. It is predicted that rate of de-industrization has not risen any more, but they may be possibility to advance to Vietnum.
- The quality of imported goods has improved due to technical improvement. Although quite common in the past, it is now most unusual for the colour used in socks to run.
- "Healthy" socks that prevent tired and aching feet, as well as impregnated with insecticide and deodorants were once very popular, however, the total quantity is quite low.
- In the past, these have been problems with formalin and dyes in baby products, however these have been completely solved. Therefore, there are no existing problems under PL Law. (* All figures are from trade statistics of the Ministry of Finance.)
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