Women's and Girls' Wear Manufacturing in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

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The Women's and Girls' Wear Manufacturing industry has wrestled with turbulent operating conditions marked by fierce import competition and COVID-19 pandemic-induced disruptions. Over the years, many large-scale manufacturers have exited or offshored production to countries with lower overhead costs, leaving the industry fragmented. Reduced industry participation has dragged down both production output and revenue. Free trade agreements signed over the past decade have removed or reduced tariffs on imported apparel, which has boosted their competitiveness in the domestic market and added to revenue woes. An appreciating Australian dollar has increased demand for internationally made clothing. Supply chain disruptions, social distancing and self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic hindered manufacturers' ability to produce garments and generate income. For these reasons, industry revenue is anticipated to fall at an annualised 3.0% over the five years through 2023-24, to $537.7 million. This includes a decline of 1.8% in 2023-24 when profit margins are expected to reach 5.9%.

Industry operators manufacture women’s and girls’ clothing from purchased or transferred-in materials. Industry firms purchase fabrics and materials from textile producers. These fabrics are then cut and sewn to produce women’s and girls’ apparel. Retail and wholesale firms purchase these products to sell to consumers. This industry does not include clothing made from fur, leather, plastic or rubber.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.