US denim imports were down 1.52 per cent in the first 10 months of the year. As per Commerce Department’s Office of Textiles & Apparel( OTEXA) figures China’s shipments of blue denim apparel declined 21.97 per cent for the year to date. China’s market share of imported jeans for the 12 months through October fell 18.98 per cent to 20.05 per cent, reflecting a similar picture for overall apparel. China’s declines were most dramatic in September and October. While companies such as Guess and G-III Apparel are sticking with Chinese production, and have been able to negotiate with factories there to mitigate price increases from tariffs, PVH is reducing its exposure. PVH sourcing out of China is about ten per cent of its overall sourcing mix but three or four years ago that was close to 35 per cent to 40 per cent.

US denim imports from Mexico increased 2.88 per cent for the year. Denim imports from Bangladesh grew by a slim 1.48 per cent. Vietnam’s denim exports to the US jumped 23.23 per cent. Pakistan’s shipments rose 5.04 per cent Cambodia’s were up 2.37 per cent. Denim imports from Egypt increased 16.47 per cent, shipments from Jordan rose 6.46 per cent and imports from Nicaragua gained 24.29 per cent. Guatemala also posted a solid gain, up 8.29 per cent.