July textile imports rose 129 million pounds to 1.8 billion, compared with a month earlier. Imports of all major fibers, except linen, increased in July.
For the major end-use categories, larger imports of apparel and home furnishings more than offset declines in yarn, thread, and fabric and floor coverings.
Cotton textile imports, at 1.0 billion pounds increased 5 percent from a month earlier and were the largest shipments since August 2006. The majority of the cotton import increase came from the apparel category.
Conversely, July U.S. textile exports, at 333 million pounds, declined 8 percent from a month earlier and were 12 percent below July 2006. Exports of all major fibers and all major end-use categories, except home furnishings, declined from June.
Cotton textile exports, at 167 million pounds, declined 7 percent from June and were 12 percent below July 2006. Most of the decline came from the yarn, thread, and fabric category.
Based on the first 7 months of 2007, the textile trade deficit is expected to reach another annual record. The overall deficit rose to 8.5 billion pounds by the end of July, compared with 8.1 billion in 2006 and 7.8 billion pounds in 2005.
Through July, cotton imports have exceeded exports by 5.0 billion pounds, representing 59 percent of the deficit. With larger imports of cotton and other major fibers, the 2007 textile trade deficit will continue to widen.
Cotton Council International
marketing@alchempro.com
