Apparel Imports Rose Only Slightly in October

Total US imports of goods and services surged to a new record in October, but apparel enjoyed only a slight benefit from the increase.
Apparel imports rose 1% in October compared to the same month last year, to $8.3 billion. However, on a 12-month smoothed basis, apparel imports declined 2%. Apparel imports from Vietnam have increased this year, while those from China, India and Pakistan have fallen.

Apparel exports rose by 1.7%, to $492 million. There have been big year-to-date increases in the total value of exports to Mexico, Canada, and Japan, but decreases to Honduras, the DR, and El Salvador. Footwear trade picked up again in October compared to the year-ago period. Imports surged 9% to $2.1 billion. China continues to gain significant footwear share, and on a year-to-date basis comprises over 72% of all footwear imports. Vietnam was next with a 10% share, followed at a distance by Italy, with a 45 share. Exports jumped 4% to $78 million. Our biggest export markets for footwear are Canada and South Korea.

Related Stories

Sustainability

Syre Expands Target Partnership to Scale Recycled Polyester

Industry News

Shein and Temu Face Off In UK Court Over Copyright Breach

Total US imports of goods and services was a record $200.7 billion, a 6.5% increase from October 2011. While there was an increase in imports of industrial supplies and materials, there were decreases in imports of automobiles, foods and beverages, and capital goods.

Total exports increased by 5.7%, to $135.2 billion, led by jumps in consumer goods, automobiles and automotive products, capital goods, and foods and beverages.