Home topics small-business-resources growth-import-export Growth | Import | Export Growth | Import | Export Facts about Exporting Fashion Rebecca Spicer August 4, 2008 In the cutthroat world of fashion exports , innovative design and strong branding are driving global markets, and Australian designers are leading the way. Here’s what you need to know about fashion exports . The international fashion industry is tough—competitive and constantly evolving—but Aussie success stories such as Collette Dinnigan, Sass & Bide, Zimmerman and Akira, as well as many emerging Australian labels , are putting their stamp on runways around the world. However, the statistics available on fashion’s contribution to exports are modest at best. The Council of Textiles and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) estimates that the clothing manufacturing industry contributes $1.03 billion (2005–06) to the Australian economy, with around 6.8 percent (or $250 million) in total sales contributing to our exports. New Zealand is by far the most significant country of destination for Australian clothing exports ($124 million in 2005–06). Figures in millions for other major destinations in the same period: Hong Kong ($30.1), UK ($18), US ($15). But clothing represents just 1 percent of total manufacturing in Australia, and broader fashion sectors, such as accessories and footwear, aren’t even accounted for in the figures. Many businesses in the fashion field are manufacturing offshore, with good commercial reasons for doing so. “A good international brand needs to be able to deliver large quantities of product, on time and at the right price, and you