China leads US apparel market despite shipment decline

The Asian country's shipment volume was down by 18%.

China emerged as one of the top suppliers to the US apparel market in January, increasing its market share despite an overall decline in imports in 2023, GlobalData reported. 

China, despite experiencing an 18% decline in shipment volumes, maintained its position as the largest apparel supplier to the US, according to data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel.

The report also said apparel imports to the US experienced a 22% year-on-year decrease. This decline was attributed to weakened consumer demand amidst global turmoil.

Throughout 2023, factors such as political instability, disruptions in shipping, and surging energy costs led consumers to cut back on apparel spending. 

Other major suppliers like Vietnam and Bangladesh experienced even sharper declines in shipment volumes, falling by 22% and 28%, respectively. 

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Honduras, among the top 10 suppliers, saw the sharpest decline in shipment volumes at 26%. However, countries like Mexico and El Salvador experienced more modest decreases in shipment values compared to their counterparts.

Moreover, countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Pakistan also faced significant drops in shipment volumes. India also reported a 19% decline in shipment volumes during 2023.

The decline in shipment values mirrored the decrease in volumes, with five of the top 10 suppliers witnessing a quarter or more drop in value. 

Overall, the total apparel shipment value to the US fell by 22% to $77.8 billion, reflecting the profound impact of market volatility on the global apparel trade.