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US Apparel Imports Fall 11.6% In Q1 2026 As Vietnam Strengthens Market Lead

• By  Textile Excellence
• May 07, 2026

US apparel imports witnessed a sharp slowdown in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting weakening consumer demand and major sourcing realignments across the global textile trade. Total apparel import value declined 11.6% year on year, while import volumes dropped 12.3%. Unit values increased marginally by 0.8%, indicating continued pricing pressure in man-made fibre categories.

Vietnam emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the sourcing shift, capturing a 22.5% market share after posting 2.8% growth in import value. China recorded the steepest decline, plunging 52.9% and losing 8.4 percentage points in market share. India also faced pressure, registering a 27% decline worth nearly US$407 million.

Market data revealed that Vietnam’s man-made fibre apparel exports to the US were nearly ten times higher than India’s shipments during the quarter. Analysts believe India’s cotton heavy export basket continues to limit competitiveness in the rapidly expanding MMF segment, which dominates US apparel imports. Cambodia and Egypt emerged among the fastest growing sourcing destinations amid global supply chain diversification.

Vietnam emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the sourcing shift, capturing a 22.5% market share after posting 2.8% growth in import value. China recorded the steepest decline, plunging 52.9% and losing 8.4 percentage points in market share. India also faced pressure, registering a 27% decline worth nearly US$407 million.