November Trade Data Point to Softening of U.S. Demand for Imported Apparel

Total US imports rose 12.9% to $193.2 billion, driven by strong demand for imported industrial supplies and materials, capital goods, automobiles and parts. Imports of consumer products, foods, and beverages declined compared to last month.

Soft goods exports had low double-digit increases, but still lagged total exports, which rose by 12% to record levels. Exports of industrial supplies, machinery, cars and consumer products increased  vs. last month.

Apparel imports were virtually flat in November at $6.77 billion compared to last year.  Though a much smaller number, apparel exports rose an impresive 8.7%, to $448 million. Apparel exports to Canada and Mexico comprised over half the total, followed at a distance by those to Japan and the United Kingdom. Exports to Honduras, the DR and Costa Rica declined considerably, while those to Chile, the Netherlands and China increased significantly. 

Textile imports increased by almost 10% in dollars compared to the same month last year, double last month’s rate, while exports gained 7.3% to $1 billion. Textile exports remain at near record high levels, thanks to healthy shipments to Canada and Mexico (which together comprise about half the total), and CAFTA countries El Salvador, the DR, Honduras and China.