In 2023, Japan's import of cotton waste, except garnetted stock, was estimated at approximately 12.25 million kilograms. Forecast data suggests a steady increase from 2024 to 2028, with year-on-year growth rates around 2.4% to 2.7% during this period. The five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be approximately 2.3%, indicating a consistent upward trend in imports.

Future trends to watch for include:

Emerging sustainable practices in textile recycling, which may impact the demand for imported cotton waste.
Shifts in Japan's domestic textile industry potentially affecting import needs.
Global cotton waste market dynamics, including supply chain disruptions or changes in supplier countries.