Americans top charts as biggest footwear and clothing consumers
14/01/2015
Each individual (children are included) spent $1,141 purchasing 64 garments and 7 ½ pairs of shoes.
"This is more than any other country in the world," said AAFA CEO Juanita Duggan.
“Apparel and footwear contributed a record $361 billion to the US economy in 2013, a bigger contribution than new cars, alcohol, toys, or practically any other industry."
The rebound in Made in US clothes and shoes, first seen in 2011, continued with US manufacturing of clothes up 6.2% and shoes up 8.5%.
"AAFA's ongoing manufacturing initiative helped our members succeed and grow, not only in the US market, but in selling US-made clothes and shoes around the world," said Ms Duggan.
Despite this growth, 97% of all clothes and 98% of all shoes sold in the US are imported.
"The fact remains that the US apparel and footwear market is dependent on international trade," commented Duggan. "Therefore, we call on Congress and the Obama administration to take immediate action on long-pending trade legislation and trade agreements to help the industry's 4 million workers, and the country's 316 million consumers."
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