U.S. apparel imports have experienced significant fluctuations in 2025, driven by tariffs, geopolitical shifts, and sourcing diversification strategies. Imports from China sharply declined, while other Asian countries and near-shoring partners in the Western Hemisphere showed resilience. These dynamics highlight evolving strategies by U.S. fashion companies to mitigate risks, optimize costs, and adapt to a complex global trade environment.
How Have U.S. Apparel Imports Changed in October 2025?
In October 2025, U.S. apparel imports fell sharply by 18.5% in value and 21.1% in volume compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. Volatility increased as companies adjusted shipping schedules to mitigate tariff impacts, bringing products earlier to reduce costs. Seasonal trends suggest imports may remain subdued from December to January, reflecting the usual slow import season.
What Caused the Decline in Imports from China?
U.S. apparel imports from China dropped by 53.3% in value and 43.1% in volume year over year in October 2025. This decline is largely driven by U.S. companies’ ongoing strategy to reduce exposure to China, influenced by tariffs and geopolitical concerns. China’s share of total U.S. apparel imports fell to 11.3% in value and 25.3% in volume, among the lowest levels in decades.
How Are Unit Prices of Imports Evolving?
Despite overall declining imports from China, unit prices measured in dollars per square meter equivalent (SME) decreased by 10.6% for Chinese goods, while total U.S. apparel import prices rose by 1.6%. This suggests that factors beyond tariffs, such as risk assessments and geopolitical considerations, are influencing sourcing decisions.
Other Asian suppliers demonstrated resilience. From January to October 2025, Asian countries collectively accounted for 73% of U.S. apparel imports, up from 71.6% in 2024. Countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Pakistan increased their market share in October 2025. This trend reflects U.S. companies’ diversification strategy and the competitiveness of these countries in fulfilling import demand.
| Country | Share of U.S. Imports (Oct 2025) | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 15.2% | +2.1% |
| Bangladesh | 10.8% | +1.4% |
| Cambodia | 6.3% | +0.8% |
| Indonesia | 5.7% | +0.6% |
| Pakistan | 3.9% | +0.5% |
Why Are Imports from India Declining?
Imports from India fell nearly 30% in October 2025, reflecting the impact of high tariffs, which averaged 63.4%, even higher than tariffs on Chinese products. Political and economic uncertainties, including U.S. sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, may further influence the prospects of reducing these punitive tariffs, limiting India’s attractiveness as a sourcing destination.
How Are Western Hemisphere Suppliers Performing?
Western Hemisphere suppliers gained small market shares, with Mexico rising from 3.1% to 3.5% and CAFTA-DR members from 9.1% to 9.5% in October 2025. However, absolute imports from these regions still declined by 8.5% (Mexico) and 15.3% (CAFTA-DR). Near-shoring benefits remain evident, as 76.1% of CAFTA-DR imports claimed duty-free benefits, up from 72.9% in 2024, driven by compliance with yarn-forward rules of origin.
| Agreement | Duty-Free Utilization (2025) | 2024 Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| CAFTA-DR | 76.1% | 72.9% |
| USMCA | 88.3% | 86.4% |
Where Are U.S. Companies Benefiting from Trade Agreements?
U.S. imports under USMCA also show growing duty-free utilization, reaching 88.3% in 2025. Canadian exports, in particular, have improved compliance with yarn-forward rules, rising from 20% historically to 63% in 2025. These agreements enhance near-shoring strategies and allow U.S. fashion companies to mitigate tariff exposure while maintaining supply chain efficiency.
LSLONG Expert Views
“Global sourcing strategies are increasingly complex, requiring agility and informed decision-making. At LSLONG, we have observed that U.S. fashion brands are diversifying suppliers in Asia while leveraging near-shoring opportunities in the Western Hemisphere. Companies that balance cost, compliance, and risk management are best positioned to sustain growth amid tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty. The ability to adapt quickly while maintaining quality remains the key competitive advantage.” — LSLONG R&D and Supply Chain Team
Conclusion
U.S. apparel imports in 2025 reflect a highly dynamic trade environment influenced by tariffs, geopolitical considerations, and sourcing diversification. While imports from China and India declined, other Asian countries and Western Hemisphere partners are gaining relevance. Fashion companies must strategically balance risk, cost, and compliance to optimize their sourcing networks. LSLONG’s expertise in flexible manufacturing and global supply chain management enables brands to navigate these challenges efficiently and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is driving U.S. apparel import volatility in 2025?
A1: The main factors include tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and shifting sourcing strategies, leading to early shipments and schedule adjustments.
Q2: Which countries are emerging as alternative suppliers to China?
A2: Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Pakistan are gaining market share due to competitive costs and reliable production capacity.
Q3: How do trade agreements impact U.S. apparel imports?
A3: Agreements like CAFTA-DR and USMCA allow duty-free imports and encourage near-shoring, helping companies reduce tariff exposure.
Q4: Why are imports from India declining sharply?
A4: High tariffs and political uncertainties make India a less attractive sourcing destination for U.S. fashion companies.
Q5: How can brands leverage LSLONG’s capabilities for global sourcing?
A5: LSLONG provides end-to-end OEM/ODM solutions, flexible production capacity, and compliance expertise, helping brands optimize costs and maintain quality across diverse markets.