Apparel imports into the US fell 1.16 per cent in November following strong gains in September and October. US imports of goods and services fell 2.2 per cent month-on-month in November, yet imports of consumer goods rose 7.8 per cent. While shipments from China, the largest supplier of apparel to the US, with a 42.5 per cent share of the market, slipped 0.16 per cent in November, shipment from its nearest rival, Vietnam climbed 9.3 per cent.

However, shipments from both countries were significantly lower than the previous month, with China tumbling 30.6 per cent and Vietnam falling 24.6 per cent. Vietnam was the only country in the list of top eight apparel suppliers to the US to see import gains during November. Vietnam continues to benefit as both producers and buyers diversify their supply chains. The country's apparel business is also being buoyed by the expected benefits of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade treaty with countries including Canada and the US.

Imports from Indonesia were down 8.02 per cent, Honduras down 9.2 per cent, Cambodia down 3.6 per cent, India down 1.7 per cent, Mexico down 1.85 per cent and Pakistan down 17.2 per cent. Imports into the US from Bangladesh declined 15.1 per cent as buyers relocate orders elsewhere in response to factory safety issues.