According to data released by OTEXA (International Trade Administration’s Office of Textiles and Apparel), US apparel imports fell sharply in the first two months of 2017. Total apparel imports declined by 4.5 per cent on an MFA basis in the period, to US $13.1 billion from US $ 13.7 billion in the year-earlier period.
On a square metre equivalent (SME) basis, imports edged down by marginal 1 per cent, continuing the trend towards cheaper goods. The average cost per unit of an imported garment fell by 3.43 per cent.
Also Read – US apparel import data in 2017 versus 2016
Despite US’ aversion from TPP, Vietnam’s apparel shipments to the US continued to increase. In the January to February period, it rose by 4 per cent, to almost 15 per cent of total US apparel imports.
China and Cambodia saw the biggest percentage declines in apparel exports to the US. China lost the most share of US apparel imports in the period, down 1.5 percentage points to 33.4 per cent. Bangladesh, El Salvador and China lost the most share in the period.
Vietnam, Nicaragua and Mexico were the only top trading partners to grow their apparel exports to the US on a dollar basis, resulting in increasing shares.
