Overview of textile and clothing imports from Europe, the United States, South Korea and Canada

United States – Textile and clothing imports increased slightly by 2.47% from January to August 2014
U.S. Customs statistics show that from January to August 2014, U.S. textile and apparel imports amounted to US$77.347 billion, a year-on-year increase of 2.47%. Among them, imports from China were US$28.738 billion, a slight increase of 0.74%, and their share narrowed 0.6 percentage points from the same period last year to 37.15%.
Among the top ten import source countries, Vietnam continued its rapid growth, with an increase of 14.1%, and its share increased to 8.29%. India ranks third in the United States’ import sources, with a growth rate of 7.04% and a share of 6.25%. The growth rate of its share is slightly lower than that of Vietnam. On the other hand, U.S. imports from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Cambodia experienced negative growth, with a decline of less than 5%.
​EU – Textile and clothing imports achieved rapid growth from January to July 2014
Data from Eurostat show that from January to July 2014, the EU import market performed most prominently among the three major import markets, with textiles and clothing imported from outside the EU amounting to US$79.285 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.9%. Among them, the growth rate of imports from China was slightly lower than the overall growth rate, and its share continued to decline slightly. The import volume was US$27.606 billion, an increase of 10.5%, and the share dropped from 35.6% in the same period of 2013 to 34.8%.
The top ten import sources of the EU have all experienced growth to varying degrees. Among them, Tunisia and Indonesia have the slowest growth, at 6.2% and 9.3% respectively; Vietnam, Pakistan and Cambodia have the fastest growth, with growth rates between 25% and 30%.

Japan – Textile and clothing imports fell by 4.2% from January to August 2014
According to Japanese customs statistics, Japan imported US$25.86 billion in textiles and clothing from the world from January to August 2014, a decrease of 4.2%. Among them, imports from China were US$17.17 billion, down 9.6%, and their share continued to decline, from 70.3% in the same period in 2013 to 66.4%.
At the same time, Japan’s trend of increasing imports from Vietnam and Bangladesh has become more obvious. From January to August 2014, imports from both countries increased by more than 15%. Among them, Vietnam became Japan’s second largest source of imports, with its share rising to 8%.
South Korea – Textile and clothing imports increased by 11.7% from January to September 2014
According to Korean customs statistics, South Korea imported US$10.24 billion in textiles and clothing from the world from January to September 2014, achieving a rapid growth of 11.7%. Among them, although imports from China increased, the increase was lower than the overall increase, with an import value of 4.63 billion.owrap=”nowrap” align=”left” x:num=”15.3″>15.30 Korea 1—10 Month 118.50 11.30 53.06 5.80 Vietnam 27.90 Canada 1—9 Month 113.70 2.10 43.70 0.94 Vietnam 18.70

Japan – Textile and clothing imports fell by 4.2% from January to August 2014
According to Japanese customs statistics, Japan imported US$25.86 billion in textiles and clothing from the world from January to August 2014, a decrease of 4.2%. Among them, imports from China were US$17.17 billion, down 9.6%, and their share continued to decline, from 70.3% in the same period in 2013 to 66.4%.
At the same time, Japan’s trend of increasing imports from Vietnam and Bangladesh has become more obvious. From January to August 2014, imports from both countries increased by more than 15%. Among them, Vietnam became Japan’s second largest source of imports, with its share rising to 8%.
South Korea – Textile and clothing imports increased by 11.7% from January to September 2014
According to Korean customs statistics, South Korea imported US$10.24 billion in textiles and clothing from the world from January to September 2014, achieving a rapid growth of 11.7%. Among them, although imports from China increased, the growth rate was lower than the overall growth rate. The import volume was US$4.63 billion, an increase of 6.9%, and its share fell two percentage points year-on-year to 45.2%.
South Korea’s imports from Vietnam grew rapidly, with the import volume increasing by 29.2% and its share increasing to 18.8% from 16.3% in the same period last year. Among the top ten import sources, Myanmar and Thailand also experienced significant growth, both with an increase of more than 20%.
Canada – Textile and clothing imports increased slightly by 2.3% from January to August 2014
Data from Statistics Canada show that from January to August 2014, Canada’s imports of textiles and clothing from the world increased slightly by 2.3%, with an import value of US$9.99 billion. Among them, imports from China only increased by 0.66%, with an import volume of US$3.77 billion, and its share decreased slightly to 37.8%.
Among the top ten import sources, Canada reduced its imports from the United States and Mexico, by 1.8% and 2.2% respectively, and its share also declined slightly, to 17.7% and 2.9% respectively. The two fastest growing source countries are Vietnam and Cambodia, with growth rates of 19.3% and 16.9% respectively, ranking 4th and 5th in the Canadian import market.

US dollar, an increase of 6.9%, and its share fell by two percentage points year-on-year to 45.2%.
South Korea’s imports from Vietnam grew rapidly, with the import volume increasing by 29.2% and its share increasing to 18.8% from 16.3% in the same period last year. Among the top ten import sources, Myanmar and Thailand also experienced significant growth, both with an increase of more than 20%.
Canada – Textile and clothing imports increased slightly by 2.3% from January to August 2014
Data from Statistics Canada show that from January to August 2014, Canada’s imports of textiles and clothing from the world increased slightly by 2.3%, with an import value of US$9.99 billion. Among them, imports from China only increased by 0.66%, with an import volume of US$3.77 billion, and its share decreased slightly to 37.8%.
Among the top ten import sources, Canada reduced its imports from the United States and Mexico, by 1.8% and 2.2% respectively, and its share also declined slightly, to 17.7% and 2.9% respectively. The two fastest growing source countries are Vietnam and Cambodia, with growth rates of 19.3% and 16.9% respectively, ranking 4th and 5th in the Canadian import market.