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Key Economic Trends

  • In 2010, the U.S. trade deficit in textiles and apparel increased by 14 percent to $86.8 billion, while the deficit in footwear increased by 17 percent to $20 billion. Heightened U.S. consumer demand for these goods, which increased by 5 percent in response to the rebounding domestic economy, drove much of these deficits.
  • U.S. exports of textiles and apparel increased by 18 percent to $17.4 billion in 2010, as shipments increased to regional trading partners under NAFTA and DR-CAFTA. Much of the increased demand for textile exports, such as fibers, yarns, and fabric, can be linked to increased U.S. demand for finished apparel imports from these trading partners.
  • China was by far the largest supplier of textiles and apparel, as well as footwear, to the U.S. market, accounting for 76 percent of all U.S. footwear imports and 40 percent of total textiles and apparel imports. U.S. imports of these goods increased from other leading Asian suppliers including Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

Trade Shifts from 2009 to 2010

  • U.S. trade deficit: Increased by $10.9 billion (14 percent) to $86.8 billion
  • U.S. exports: Increased by $2.7 billion (18 percent) to $17.4 billion
  • U.S. imports: Increased by $13.6 billion (15 percent) to $104.2 billion

Selected Product Shifts

USITC Publications

Other Government Resources

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