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 percent of the total, down from 24.9 percent a year ago.Imports from Mexico suffered an even bigger fall, dropping from 30 percent of total U.S. denim imports in the first quarter of 2015 to 26.7 percent 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 $674.6 million in the first quarter. Units declined 3.5 percent to 85 million, resulting in a drop of 0.8 percent 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 percent to $351.6 million.Women’s and girls’ jeans imports were virtually flat at $323 million in the quarter.

- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
How India’s textile recycling network is becoming a global ESG blueprint
India’s textile industry is mounting an aggressive defence against growing international criticism that developing economies are becoming dumping grounds for... Read more
Cotton trade under pressure as war risks and tariff chaos raise apparel costs
The global textile and apparel industry is entering a high-stakes period of volatility as the ongoing Iran war creates a... Read more
Copenhagen GFA summit 2026 signals reset in global apparel finance
" " The global apparel, textile, and fiber manufacturing industries are entering a decisive phase of financial and operational realignment, as... Read more
Global apparel supply chains realign as India navigates trade volatility
The global apparel and textile sector is experiencing a significant structural shift, as major manufacturers and retailers move away from... Read more
India’s textile sector targets global supply chain shift with $100 bn export pus…
As global brands push up efforts to diversify sourcing beyond traditional manufacturing hubs, India is repositioning its textile industry through... Read more
India balances farm interests and export ambitions with temporary cotton import …
" " The textile industry has received a policy reprieve after the Ministry of Finance eliminated the 11 per cent import... Read more
Global supply chain strain deepen as fashion brands tighten sourcing costs
The global apparel industry is dealing with growing sourcing tension as big fashion retailers intensify efforts to reduce procurement costs... Read more
From Voluntary to Mandatory: Asia’s manufacturing hubs lock in green compliance …
The multi-billion-dollar Asian apparel export market is entering a enforced sustainability era, where environmental and labour compliance is no longer... Read more
MediaVision report signals the end of mass-market fashion marketing
" " The latest MediaVision Q1 2026 Fashion Report highlights, the age of broad-spectrum marketing and passive brand awareness is rapidly... Read more
Circularity as Strategy: BRICS countries turn waste into competitive advantage
The global fashion industry’s long-standing take-make-dispose model is being reset as BRICS economies increase their transition toward circular production systems.... Read more












