The self-employed workforce in the U.S. textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products manufacturing sector is set to decline from 30,000 in 2024 to 28,000 by 2028. The year-on-year change highlights a continual reduction, notably a 3.3% decline from 2025 to 2026 and 2027 to 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period is expected to also reflect a negative trend, underscoring a gradual contraction.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements and automation, potential shifts in consumer demand towards more sustainable and ethical products, and evolving international trade policies. These factors could either exacerbate the decline or open new avenues for self-employment in niche markets.
