The number of full-time workers in this industry fell by 10,000 between 1996 and 2006. This was because tariffs on imported textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods were lowered in the 1980s and 1990s, making them cheaper than their New Zealand-made equivalents. Many New Zealand manufacturers closed as they couldn't compete with these cheaper imported goods.

Number of people working in textile, clothing, footwear and leather goods manufacturing in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)

Census	Number of people employed
1996	27,241
2001	20,210
2006	17,097
Source: Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL), 'Career Services Detailed Industry Report: Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Leather Manufacturing'.

Sales in this industry did increase slowly between 2005 and 2007, when the value of textile, clothing and footwear exports rose by 7%.

However, in late 2008 the economy went into recession, and many clothing and textile companies are once again struggling to survive. Because of economic uncertainty, people are less likely to spend money on luxury items such as designer clothing.

Clothing and textiles sales were flat for the December quarter. As a result, the chances of finding work in this industry are limited.