US textile and apparel exports slipped to $**.*** billion in 2024, marking the second straight year of decline after a strong rebound in 2022. Apparel, fabrics and yarn shipments all weakened, reflecting reduced demand from regional supply chains, currency pressures and rising competitiveness of Asian producers. Over the last decade, US exports have largely fluctuated between $** and $** billion.
Shipments to major markets such as Mexico, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China contracted -- falling as much as **.** per cent. Mexico saw an *.** per cent decline to $*,***.*** million, pointing to slower manufacturing activity in its export-oriented apparel sector, which heavily relies on US yarns and fabrics. The downturn in Honduras and the Dominican Republic also aligns with subdued orders from US brands, affecting regional supply chains linked through CAFTA-DR.
Conversely, exports grew to the Netherlands, Japan, Belgium, and Guatemala, posting gains of up to **.** per cent. These increases are supported by steady demand for technical textiles and niche fabrics, along with rerouted sourcing by European manufacturers working to diversify material suppliers.