The combination of reshoring and related foreign direct investments in the US jumped 52 per cent in 2017. Apparel saw one of the largest increases, while transportation remained the strongest overall. Of the total manufacturing jobs that were added, 90 per cent were reshoring and FDI related.

The US apparel consumer flexes their muscle on deciding how, why, and where they will purchase their sewn goods products. The effect of this ability extends into the very fiber of the industry, reflecting in more orders in smaller quantities with shorter lead times, while slowing the sales cycle, putting pressure on existing e-commerce infrastructure, forcing the adoption of fast fashion, and digitalisation of the value chain and as costs increase, the consumer pushes for the same if not a lower price.

While US imports of textiles and clothing increased in value by 1.3 per cent in 2017, this increase came after a 6.5 per cent decline in the previous year and, as a result, imports remained below the levels seen in 2014 and 2015. Total apparel imports were at their lowest levels in several years. With consumer spending on the rise, there is no time like the present for locally manufactured apparel, furniture, and transportation interiors.