The Southeast Asian nation of Indonesia in the first quarter (Jan to Mar) of 2015, imported US$ 330 million worth of man-made filaments registering a growth of 11.15 percent over imports of $296.9 million made during the corresponding period of 2014, according to the data from Statistics Indonesia.

While, knitted or crocheted fabrics imports increased by 7.31 percent to $327.4 million compared to imports of $305.1 million made during the same period last year, the data showed.

Indonesia imports fibre and fabrics for its flourishing textile and clothing industry, which makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy, in the form of providing employment as well as earning foreign exchange.

The textile sector employment in Indonesia is estimated at about 1.55 million, and another 570,000 people are employed in the apparel sector.

Indonesian textile industry meets global competitive challenges with a strategy of restructuring modernization and expansion. Indonesia’s textile industry is taking steps to ensure it can weather the challenges of an ever-expanding global economy.