• U.S. imports of apparel increased in 2003, reflecting a continued trend by retailers and apparel companies to source apparel from low-cost offshore providers.

• China is the largest foreign supplier of textiles, apparel, and footwear, accounting for 18 percent of U.S. textile and apparel imports and 68 percent of U.S. footwear imports in 2003 (by value). U.S. imports of textiles and apparel from China rose significantly in 2003, particularly in articles for which it became eligible for quota-free treatment following its accession to the WTO in December 2001.

• The average price of U.S. footwear continued to decline, as lower priced casual shoes accounted for a greater share of consumer purchases.

• U.S. imports of textiles and apparel in 2003 continued to expand from countries that benefit from preferential market access, including countries in the Caribbean Basin and sub-Saharan Africa.

Textiles and apparel:

• U.S. trade deficit: Increased by $5.9 billion (9 percent) to $70.2 billion
• U.S. exports: Decreased by $265 million (1 percent) $17.0 billion
• U.S. imports: Increased by $5.7 billion (7 percent) to $87.2 billion
  

Footwear:

• U.S. trade deficit: Increased by $205 million (1 percent) to $15.1 billion
• U.S. exports: Decreased by $25 million (5 percent) to $495 million
• U.S. imports: Increased by $180 million (1 percent) to $15.6 billion

USITC PUBLICATIONS

Industry Trade and Technology Review

Dyeing and Finishing of Apparel Fabrics

Production-Sharing Update: Developments in 2002 (Apparel Assembly in Mexico, the Caribbean Basin, and Sub-Saharan Africa)

332 Investigations

Textiles and Apparel: Assessment of the Competitiveness of Certain Foreign Suppliers to the U.S. Market

Apparel Inputs in “Short Supply” 2002: Effect of Providing Preferential Treatment to Apparel from Sub-Saharan African and Caribbean Basin Countries - Compilation of Reports Requested in 2002

U.S. Market Conditions for Certain Wool Articles in 2002-03

Certain Wool Articles: Second Annual Report on U.S. Market Conditions

The Economic Effects of Significant U.S. Import Restraints: Third Update 2002

OTHER GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection

Textiles and Quotas

U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of Textiles and Apparel

Europa, European Commission, Trade in Industrial Goods

Textiles