Denim Fabrics Imports Into US Falls 19% : Jan-May,2014

US denim fabric imports are in a constant decline mode . While the imports declined 6.1% in 2013 ,   an alarming reduction of 19.2% in 2014 (Jan-May) reflects the reduced demand for the fabric for  jeans production activities in US as well as for re-export . Domestic production of denim fabrics in US is already declining and hence the overall reduction in jeans production could be more.

We will see in this report :

a) Table showing imports of denim fabrics in 2013, 2013 Jan to May and 2014 Jan to May from different countries around the world . The % changes  in the period Jan-May in 2014 over the same period in 2013 are also shown.
b) Table showing average prices emanating from different exporting countries during these three different periods. The prices are given in USD/ Sq mtrs
c) Table showing average prices from different countries in Linear mtrs.
d) Top countries exporting denim fabrics in 2013 and 2014
e) Analysis

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From the Table 1  below, we can see that the denim fabrics imports have fallen by about 19.2% in the first four months of  2014 when we compare with the same period in 2013. The fall in imports is almost comprehensive – covering almost all the countries – though countries with reasonable volumes)  like India, Turkey, Pakistan and Hong Kong have suffered higher reductions. The top exporters remain same as in 2013 ie China, Mexico, Japan , Taiwan and Italy. Turkey was also getting close to Italian volumes but has suffered reverses in the current year. The overall volumes of imports of denim fabrics stands at about 28 million sq mtrs in 2013 and just about 10 million sq mtrs in the first five months  showing a reduction of 19.2% over the about 12 million sq mtrs imported in 2013 Jan-May.

Denim Fabric Imports Into US ": 2013, Jan-May (2013 and 2014)

Table 1

From the Table 2 (below) we can see that the average prices remain about the lowest from China, Taiwan and Mexico. Japan clearly stands out at $6.77/ sq mtr or about $10/ linear mtr (of 150 cm). Turkey is again a decently priced exporter while countries like India export low priced cheap fabrics to US. Pakistan  can be seen climbing up the value chain with decent prices of exports.

Denim Fabric Import prices in USD / Sq. mtrs

Table 2

To find the prices in Linear meter – denim is always sold in linear mtr- we have averaged the width at 150 cm and calculated the prices from different destinations. The prices look much better now – when seen from the perspective of fabric exporters !

Denim Fabric Import Prices in USD / Linear Mtrs.

Table 3

The first five months of imports of denim fabrics into US have been poor . We will come to know in the coming months if the imports show an improvement – though it looks unlikely at the moment.

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