The output of clothing in the US has shown significant variability over the past decade. From a peak of $12.16 billion in 2013, the output declined steadily to $11.2 billion in 2016, a trend largely characterized by modest year-on-year decreases ranging from -0.47% to -5.88%. A brief rebound occurred in 2019 with a 6.59% increase, followed by a sharp decline in 2020 due to a -17.32% contraction triggered by external factors, most likely the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant bump in 2021 saw a 34.42% rise, but this was followed by a drop of -15.36% in 2022. The value stood at $10.55 billion in 2023.
Looking ahead, the forecasted data suggests a gradual but steady decline in clothing output, with an average annual contraction of around -2.15% projected until 2028, leading to an overall decrease of -10.31% over this period. This forecast indicates the industry's challenges in maintaining growth amid evolving market conditions.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements in apparel manufacturing, shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainability, and the potential for reshoring manufacturing activities in response to global supply chain disruptions.
