From January to February 2018, China, Mexico and Bangladesh were the top three denim exporters to the US. In the Men and Boys (MB) category, US jeans imports surged 6.60 per cent on a year-on-year basis. While in the Women and Girls (WG) category US jeans imports increased 9.23 per cent.

China remains the key exporter in the WG category as well followed by Bangladesh. However, Mexico overtook both countries this time in the MB category to grab the top spot in the tally.

Mexico exported denim trousers valued worth $97.24 million (down 6.22 per cent), beating China’s export value in the same category which stood at just $34.20 million. However, Mexico’s share in WG jeans exports was way less than China’s share. As for Bangladesh, its export value of MB denim trousers to the US was up 20.13 per cent. On the other hand, in the WG category, the South Asian giant’s export value grew 4.81 per cent.

However, the share of jeans in total cotton trouser imports by the US is falling. The US import market for denim apparel is extremely tough and competitive. This market is characterized by extremely competitive pricing structures.