Exporting Apparel (from the USA)
Exporting is to send goods or services to another country for sale. Exporting is an important aspect of the apparel industry.
In the United States, we important more clothing than we export. However, exporting is still a critical component of the fashion and textile industry.
Exporting Documents for Apparel
Electronic Export Information (EEI)
Manufacturing garments and accessories in developing countries can offer fashion-related companies opportunities to cut fixed costs through reductions in the price of production labor. Overseas employers pay lower wages based on local standards of living and many other factors. Lower labor costs are a key contributor to clothing prices. Countries with lower labor costs often have a higher volume of exports.
In international trade, the importation and exportation of goods are limited by import quotas and mandates from the customs authority. The importing and exporting jurisdictions may impose a tariff (tax) on the goods. In addition, the importation and exportation of goods are subject to trade agreements between the importing and exporting jurisdictions.
What is the port of export? Per the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) 30.1(c), the port of export is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seaport or airport where the goods are loaded on the aircraft or vessel that is taking the goods out of the United States, or the CBP port where exports by overland transportation cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico.
Export.gov: helping U.S. Companies
export. 95% of the world's consumers live in other countries and the
benefits of exporting are enormous. Learn how to export in their Export
Basics section or register to access market research and trade leads. Trade
Specialists are also available in your area to help plan your international
business. Call 1-800- USA-TRAD(E) to find a trade specialist and get answers
to your export questions.
Foreign
Trade Regulations : One of ITA's strategic objectives is to enforce
the nation's trade laws and ensure compliance with our trade agreements.
This allows U.S. businesses to compete both domestically and internationally
on a level playing field. This work is not only helping U.S. businesses
to continue to export billions of dollars in goods and services worldwide,
but also providing support for the U.S. economy and helping advance American
job growth.
THE FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
ASSOCIATIONS (FITA): Their site includes
a search engine of links to over 4000 international
trade sites, a database of member associations throughout
North America, a schedule of worldwide trade fairs, a calendar of
international trade events throughout the US, the only directory
of US based export management companies, articles
about international trade and RealAudio interviews
with international trade experts. Address:
11800 Sunrise Valley Drive Phone: (703)620-1588 (800)969-FITA (3482)
Reston, VA 20191 USA Fax: (703)620-4922 E-Mail:
probinson@fita.org
International Trade Association:
The Trade Compliance Center,
the TCC, in the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration,
is the U.S. Government's focal point for monitoring foreign compliance with
trade agreements to see that U.S. firms and workers get the maximum benefits
from these agreements. The TCC is your one-stop shop for getting U.S. government
assistance in resolving the trade barriers or unfair situations you encounter
in foreign markets. The Office of Trade Agreements Negotiations and
Compliance (TANC) helps make trade agreements work for American exporters
and investors. Its officers work to eliminate foreign government-imposed
trade barriers by supporting U.S. efforts to negotiate new international
trade agreements, and by working to ensure that existing agreements deliver
the market access and fair treatment promised.
U.S Customs and
Border Protection : Both CBP and the importing/exporting community have
a shared responsibility to maximize compliance with laws and regulations.
In carrying out this task, CBP encourages importers/exporters to become
familiar with applicable laws and regulations. The information on this page
promotes the understanding of this responsibility, as there may be specific
requirements related to a particular commodity, such as those set by Partner
Government Agencies (PGA).
If you are in the market for nonwovens, you may want to check out the nonwovens importing and exporting section.
The term export in international trade means the sending of goods or services produced in one country to another country. The seller of such goods and services is referred to as an exporter; the foreign buyer is referred to as an importer.
The Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) plays an important role in export controls, guarding the national security, foreign policy and non-proliferation goals of the United States, and balancing them against the need of U.S. firms to be viable and competitive in the world marketplace. The BXA oversees the development, licensing and enforcement of export control laws. Their recently overhauled site now includes access to the Export Administration Regulations (by subscription), the List of Denied Parties, Fact Sheets on obtaining Export Licenses, descriptions of their programs, and office location and contact information.
As the DOC's international trade assistance program, the ITA is dedicated to helping U.S. businesses compete in the global marketplace. The site has a number of assistance related workspaces and information resources, and includes the NAFTA Home Page, the Trade Information Centers, and the very helpful Export Assistance Center. The U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service also prints (along with DOS) the extremely helpful Country Commercial Guides which include worldwide contacts, marketing info, best prospects and more. Their site has also recently added a Trade Compliance Center which helps U.S. exporters receive the fullest benefits from the more than 200 trade agreements the United States has concluded.
For years the United States has been a major exporter of clothing and apparel. The American apparel industry is a major employer, contributing nearly $124 billion to the US economy and employing more than 1 million people (please note that is time sensitive numbers depending when you are reading this page).
The US is a major producer of both ready-to-wear and made-to-order clothing, as well as accessories and footwear. The country is home to some of the world’s largest fashion houses and luxury brands, with many of these companies producing a significant portion of their garments abroad.
Much of the clothing exported from the United States is destined for European, Asian and Latin American markets. The US is the world’s second-largest clothing exporter, with approximately $36 billion in exports in 2018. The majority of these exports were shipped to countries in Europe and Asia, with Europe accounting for the largest share of US apparel exports.
In most cases, the US produces apparel for the middle or lower end of the market, while luxury garments are often produced elsewhere. This is due in part to the higher costs associated with production in the US, as well as the availability of cheaper labor in other countries.
The US is also a major exporter of denim and cotton fabrics, which are used to make garments in other countries. Denim and cotton fabrics are the second-largest export category for the US apparel industry, accounting for a nice percentage of total apparel exports.
The US clothing industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly seeking to find ways to reduce costs and remain competitive. To this end, many apparel companies have increased their reliance on overseas production, while also looking for ways to reduce costs associated with production in the US.
Overall, the US is a major exporter of clothing and apparel. The country is home to a range of luxury and mid-market fashion brands, and is a major producer of denim and cotton fabrics. Despite the challenges posed by high production costs in the US, the industry remains highly competitive and continues to be a major contributor to the US economy.
Learn about government resources that are helpful to the fashion industry.
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