Cotton exports in 2007 dropped to 2.0 billion pounds, the lowest shipments since 1998. As a result, the 2007 trade deficit reached 15.6 billion pounds, compared with 15.0 billion in 2006 and 14.0 billion in 2005. Cotton accounted for 58 percent (9.0 billion pounds) of the deficit and manmade fibers accounted for 36 percent, while 3 percent came from linen textiles. Silk and wool textiles accounted for the remaining 3 percent.
For December 2007, U.S. textile imports totaled 1.4 billion pounds, 11 percent below November and 3 percent below a year ago. Shipments of all major fibers, except linen, declined from a month earlier.
December textile imports by major end-use categories were all lower compared with November, except for the yarn, thread, and fabric category. Cotton textile imports declined 10 percent to 781 million pounds. Lower imports of cotton apparel accounted for most of the December decline.
December textile exports, at 277 million pounds, were 15 percent below November and 9 percent below a year ago. December shipments were the lowest since January 1997. Exports declined in all major fibers and all major end-use categories. Cotton textile exports declined to 131 million pounds, 21 percent below a month earlier and the lowest monthly shipment since December 2001.
United States Department of Agriculture