onlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.com
Notification
Font ResizerAa
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
Reading: Tariffs drive US clothing imports from China to 22-year low in May
Share
onlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.com
Font ResizerAa
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
Search
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
  • Advertise
  • Advertise
© 2025 OnlyTrustedInfo.com . All Rights Reserved.
Finance

Tariffs drive US clothing imports from China to 22-year low in May

Last updated: July 9, 2025 5:01 pm
Oliver James
Share
3 Min Read
Tariffs drive US clothing imports from China to 22-year low in May
SHARE

By Helen Reid and Siddharth Cavale

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) -The value of apparel imports from China to the U.S. fell in May to its lowest monthly level in 22 years, according to latest trade data, highlighting the impact of steep U.S. tariffs.

China has for years been the biggest exporter of clothes to the U.S., but its share of the U.S. apparel market has fallen as trade relations between the world’s two biggest economies soured.

U.S. President Donald Trump ratcheted tariffs up to as much as 145% in April, driving more U.S. retailers to reduce purchases from Chinese factories in favor of Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and elsewhere.

“The sharp decline in U.S. apparel imports from China in May 2025 was anything but natural,” said Sheng Lu, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware.

The U.S. imported $556 million worth of clothing from China in May, down from $796 million in April, and the fourth straight month of declines, according to U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) data. The last time monthly imports were lower than that was May 2003.

Earlier in the year, anticipating Trump’s tariffs, U.S. retailers stocked up: the value of apparel imports from China in January was $1.69 billion, up 15% from the $1.47 billion a year earlier.

Despite a recent trade deal between the U.S. and China, most leading U.S. fashion companies still plan to reduce their China exposure further, if not totally move out of the country, Lu said.

The same pattern is visible in demand from U.S. retailers for factory inspections. Auditing firm QIMA said its data, based on thousands of inspections and audits worldwide, shows U.S. sourcing from China fell by nearly a quarter in the second quarter from a year earlier, while demand in Southeast Asia grew 29%.

Another early winner was Mexico, according to the USITC data. In May the U.S. imported $259 million worth of apparel from its southern neighbor, up 12% from a year ago.

QIMA said in its note that the shift out of China is not new and Southeast Asia’s share of U.S. sourcing has been steadily growing since mid 2023.

“While the U.S. administration’s tariff policies took several sharp turns during Q2 2025, the procurement patterns of U.S.-based brands and retailers have stayed largely within the bounds of long-standing trends established before this year’s escalation,” QIMA said.

The coming months may put U.S. supply chains to a new test, QIMA said, as the temporary pause on tariffs for most non-China countries will soon expire, coinciding with the kick-off of holiday season procurement.

(Reporting by Helen Reid and Siddharth Cavale; Editing by David Gregorio)

You Might Also Like

5 Worst Florida Cities To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

Jensen Huang Just Doubled Downed on NVIDIA’s Future

$1.7 trillion sits in lost and forgotten 401(k) accounts. Is one of them yours?

Are HOA Fees Tax Deductible? The Simple Answer

6 Ways You Can Affordably Participate in These Hobbies The Rich Enjoy

Share This Article
Facebook X Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Lawsuit against Tesla includes claim the automaker hid data after fatal crash Lawsuit against Tesla includes claim the automaker hid data after fatal crash
Next Article 6 Secret Service agents suspended over conduct during attempted Trump assassination 6 Secret Service agents suspended over conduct during attempted Trump assassination

Latest News

Which Cryptocurrency Is More Likely to Be a Millionaire Maker? XRP vs. Shiba Inu
Which Cryptocurrency Is More Likely to Be a Millionaire Maker? XRP vs. Shiba Inu
Finance July 9, 2025
Here’s How Much You Should Aim to Have Invested in Stocks Today if You Want to Retire With  Million and Have 20 Years or Less to Go
Here’s How Much You Should Aim to Have Invested in Stocks Today if You Want to Retire With $1 Million and Have 20 Years or Less to Go
Finance July 9, 2025
The Best Vanguard ETF to Invest 0 In Right Now
The Best Vanguard ETF to Invest $500 In Right Now
Finance July 9, 2025
Should You Follow This 1 Shocking Cryptocurrency Recommendation From a Top Financial Advisor?
Should You Follow This 1 Shocking Cryptocurrency Recommendation From a Top Financial Advisor?
Finance July 9, 2025
//
  • About Us
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy
onlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.com
© 2025 OnlyTrustedInfo.com . All Rights Reserved.