The global garment industry is a complex web of production, distribution, and consumption, with shifting trends and regional disparities shaping its landscape. A focal point in understanding this dynamic is the comparison between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) in terms of garment imports. Data compiled by David Birnbaum, a strategic planner for the global garment export industry, reveals a significant and growing divergence between the two regions.
The stark contrast in import volumes
Birnbaum's analysis highlights, the difference in garment import volumes between the EU and the US is substantial. As of 2023, EU garment imports were 5½ times higher than those of the US. This disparity highlights the EU's dominant position in the global garment import market compared to the US.
The table, derived from Birnbaum's data, illustrates the trend in garment imports for both the US and the EU over the years.
Table: Garment imports trends US and EU
|
Year |
US imports |
EU imports |
|
2015 |
89,089 |
390,042 |
|
2016 |
83,969 |
383,393 |
|
2017 |
83,550 |
399,334 |
|
2018 |
86,697 |
428,238 |
|
2019 |
87,384 |
428,676 |
|
2020 |
71,166 |
376,418 |
|
2021 |
87,287 |
434,685 |
|
2022 |
105,353 |
493,201 |
|
2023 |
81,591 |
447,212 |
|
2024 |
83,710 |
- |
The data reveals that the US garment import trends peaked in 2019, followed by a sharp reduction in 2020 due to Covid-19 lockdowns. The subsequent years saw fluctuations, with a collapse in imports in 2023. In contrast, EU garment imports did not follow the same pattern and were not distorted to the same extent as those of the US.
There are several reasons for the EU's stronger position in garment imports. First is the market size, the EU represents a larger and more stable market for garment imports. Also the EU market demonstrated greater resilience to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent market corrections.
Birnbaum's analysis provides valuable insights into these diverging trends. As a strategic planner for the global garment export industry, his data-driven approach highlights the importance of understanding regional differences and market dynamics. Birnbaum's data indicates that the differential between EU and US garment imports is expected to increase over time, reflecting the ongoing shifts in the global garment trade.
