According to a report compiled by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles, based on customs statistics, the nation�s imports and exports of textile machinery during January-March 2009 decreased by 56% from the year before to US$1,097 million: imports, US$866 million (down 61%) and exports, US$231 million (down 42%).

Knitting machines were the top import item with US$143 million (down 44%).

Even for exports, knitting machines were the largest item with US$93.24 million (down 20%). India was the largest market with US$72.26 million (down 2%).