In March 2023, the United States experienced a significant decline in textile and apparel imports, marking a decrease of 23.6% compared to the previous year. However, there was a notable increase of 23.4% compared to the previous month, with the import volume reaching its highest level in the past five months. The import value amounted to $8.32 billion, indicating a year-on-year decline of 31.7% but a month-on-month increase of 4.1%.

Specifically, apparel imports accounted for 1.86 billion square meters, reflecting a 40.2% decline compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, there was a 2.6% increase compared to the previous month. The import value of apparel reached $6.25 billion, representing a year-on-year decrease of 33%, but a month-on-month increase of 5%.

Among the countries exporting textiles and apparel to the United States, China's numbers were significant. In March, the U.S. imported 1.7 billion square meters of textile and apparel from China, indicating a substantial year-on-year decrease of 40.3%. The import value from China was $1.46 billion, reflecting a 45% decline compared to the previous year. Specifically, apparel imports from China amounted to 500 million square meters, down 45% year-on-year, with a value of $940 million, marking a 45.7% decrease compared to the previous year.

These figures highlight a continued decline in China's market share of U.S. textile and apparel imports. Since May 2022, China's share has fallen below 30%, reaching 23.8% in March 2023. Similarly, China's share of U.S. apparel imports hit a new low of 26.6% in March, representing the lowest level since April 2020.

The decrease in overall textile and apparel imports to the United States suggests a potential shift in sourcing strategies, with other countries possibly gaining prominence in the market.