Every year, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) publishes Sourcing Trends & Outlook, covering trade data and trends and providing a peek into the "crystal ball" at the future of textile, apparel, and fashion sourcing and trade policy.
The top 4 sourcing trends in the 2024 mid-year report are:
- China remains the top supplier even with diversification.
- Asian apparel suppliers continue to dominate sourcing.
- Average unit values for apparel continue to fall.
- Despite high duty rates, FTAs and preference programs remain underutilized.
See some data highlights below:
The mid-year report includes a special section with global trade data prepared by Dr. Sheng Lu, professor in the Fashion and Apparel Studies Department at the University of Delaware. Dr. Lu's findings include the latest changes in China's market share of world textile and clothing exports.
Pattern #2: While China remained the world’s largest clothing exporter in 2023, rising geopolitical tensions and Western fashion companies’ ongoing de-risking efforts pose increasing challenges to its export outlook.
Top U.S. Apparel Suppliers YTD 2024 by Quantity
When it comes to apparel, Asian suppliers continue to dominate the U.S. market.
The top seven suppliers ship 76% of total apparel imports. We also see more consolidation of imports from the largest apparel suppliers.
China and Vietnam are the only countries with a double-digit market share, and they supply just under one-half (49.8%) of apparel imports.
The report is available exclusively to USFIA members and affiliates in good standing. If you are employed by a member company and did not receive the report, please let us know.