Dublin-based research company Research and Markets has published a report on ‘Trends in US Textile and Clothing Imports, 2006 Update’.

The report indicates that US imports of textiles and clothing covered by the former Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) grew in 2005, rising by 8.3% to the equivalent of 50.8 billion square metres. Within this total, imports of apparel and made-up textiles rose by 10.3% and their shares of all imports increased to 43.3% and 30.8% respectively, reflecting strong US demand for cheap clothing. Cotton increased its dominance of apparel imports in 2005 with a share of 58.1%, while the share of man-made fibres fell from 56.2% to 55.8%.

China has strengthened its lead as the biggest supplier, in both value and volume. Imports from the country have surged since it joined the World Trade Organisation in late 2001. In 2002 they rose by 124.5% in volume, in 2003 by 67.0%, in 2004 by 40.7% and in 2005 by 43.8%.

US imports from Mexico, the second biggest supplier, fell by 5.3% in volume and by 7% in value. Imports from Indonesia grew by over 17.6% in value and by 6.2% in volume—implying a rise in added value—while imports from the Asian ‘Big Three’, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, fell by 17.2% in value and by 14.2% in volume.