Denim import data indicates U.S. industry sourcing shift

According to the data released recently by the International Trade Administration’s Office of Textiles and Apparel, or OTEXA, denim brands and retailers implemented a big shift in sourcing strategy in the first quarter of 2016.

In the first three months of 2016, denim imports from China represented 24.6 % of the total, down from 24.9 percent a year ago. Imports from Mexico suffered an even bigger fall, dropping from 30 % of total U.S. denim imports in the first quarter of 2015 to 26.7 % in 2016.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Pakistan each gained 100 basis points of share, to become the number 3 and 4 suppliers of denim jeans to the U.S. market. This is consistent with industry trends showing a shift in denim market share toward the fast fashion retailers that are a favorite of younger consumers.

Total U.S. imports of denim jeans fell by 4.3 percent to USD 674.6 million in the first quarter. Units declined 3.5 percent to 85 million, resulting in a drop of 0.8 % in the average cost of a pair of imported jeans.

Men’s and boy’s jeans suffered the biggest drop, with the dollar value of imports down 7. 8% to USD 351.6 million. Women’s and girls’ jeans imports were virtually flat at USD 323 million in the quarter.