Textile and apparel imports rise in 2007

The net textile and apparel trade of United States expanded slightly in calendar year 2007. Total fiber product imports were 19.7 billion raw-fiber-equivalent pounds, similar to 2006's record.

On the other hand, fiber product exports declined for the second consecutive year to 4.1 billion pounds, the lowest since 1996. As a result, net fiber product imports reached a record of 15.6 billion pounds in 2007, showing a 4% increase as compared to 2006.

Cotton products were the largest contributor to net textile trade in 2007, accounting for nearly 580 of the total. Manmade fibers contributed nearly 360, while the other fiber products accounted for the remaining share.

In 2007, U.S. cotton textile and apparel imports were essentially unchanged at 11 billion pounds, while textile exports declined to 2 billion pounds, pushing net cotton product imports higher. Net textile imports were also higher for manmade fibers while those for the other fiber products were effectively unchanged.