USA-Made Textiles and Apparel Find Growing Markets Overseas, Researchers Say

Production of USA-made textiles and apparel has hit record levels over the past five years, and more of it is being sold abroad, University of Delaware researchers said in a U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) webinar, Sourcing Journal reported on December 18, 2023.

Key findings

• USA production reached almost $28 billion in 2022, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
• Exports of clothing and fabric topped $24.8 billion, up nearly 12 percent from a decade earlier, according to OTEXA.
• About 90 percent of exporting fabric and technical textile makers sell to Western Hemisphere partners, using deals such as USMCA and CAFTA-DR.
• California and North Carolina have the most complete textile and apparel supply chains.
• From January 2022 to September 2023, researchers found more than 15,000 USA-made apparel SKUs using recycled materials and 6,000 using organic fibers.

The session was led by Dr. Sheng Lu, director of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, with his students. They found textile makers export far more than apparel and home textile makers.

FAQ

How big is USA textile and apparel production?

Almost $28 billion in 2022.

Where do exports go?

Mostly to Western Hemisphere trade partners under USMCA and CAFTA-DR.

Which states lead?

California and North Carolina have the most complete supply chains.