World textile and apparel trade and production trends: the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico

摘要

US textile and clothing imports declined in value and volume terms in 2016. At the same time, US consumer expenditure on clothing and footwear continued to expand. But it grew more slowly during 2013-16 than it did during 2010-12, and it is expected to rise only moderately in 2017. Textile production and clothing production declined in 2016, and textile and clothing exports fell in value terms for the second consecutive year. In Argentina, textile and clothing exports increased noticeably in 2016. However, textile production was down in 2016, and it was down again during January-June 2017 compared with the corresponding period a year earlier. Meanwhile, textile and clothing imports rose and retail sales surged in 2016 and during January-June 2017, although the surge in retail sales was partly attributable to substantial inflationary pressures. In Brazil, textile and clothing production continued to decline in 2016 and textile and clothing exports fell too. Also, textile and clothing imports plunged for the second consecutive year, reflecting the weak economic situation in Brazil. During January-June 2017, however, textile and clothing imports rebounded. In Colombia, textile and clothing exports fell in 2016 for the fourth consecutive year to their lowest level in several years. The fall reflected declines in exports to almost all markets. Furthermore, there were declines in volume terms in textile production and clothing production. In Mexico, textile and clothing exports fell in 2016, although textile production and clothing production both increased and textile and clothing imports declined. The fall in textile and clothing exports was due primarily to a decline in sales of textiles and clothing to the USA.