Top USA Apparel Importers 2024: Trends, Buyers List & Singapore Export Insights
In this article, we dive deep into USA’s apparel import trends, top garment buyers in USA, and how Singapore export products tie into the bigger picture.
The United States continues to dominate the global garment import market, with apparel imports reaching a staggering $83.705 billion in 2024 a 2.65% increase from the previous year. From fast fashion to premium brands, American retailers rely heavily on imported garments to meet growing consumer demand.
Meanwhile, Singapore, though not a traditional textile exporter, plays a vital role in the global apparel ecosystem through its re-export of high-value apparel accessories, textile machinery, and its position as a logistics and trading hub. In this article, we dive deep into USAs apparel import trends, top garment buyers in USA, and how Singapore export products tie into the bigger picture.
USA Apparel Import Data: 2024-25 Analysis
According to recent trade data, the United States imported over $107.72 billion worth of textiles in 2024, with $83.705 billion specifically in apparel. The import volume of garments increased by 5.95%, reaching over 25.76 billion SMEs (square meter equivalents) compared to 24.31 billion SMEs in 2023.
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Textile (non-apparel) imports: 80.87 billion SMEs (up 18.54%)
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Cotton product imports: 17.17 billion SMEs (up 8.36%)
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Man-made fiber imports: 87.02 billion SMEs (up 16.56%)
The top import sources remain concentrated in Asia, accounting for over $60 billion worth of garments, with China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh being the top three suppliers.
Where Do Most American Clothes Come From?
The majority of garments sold in the U.S. are sourced from Asia, where cost efficiency, skilled labor, and massive production capacities exist.
Top 10 Countries Supplying Apparel to the USA (2024)
| Rank | Country | Import Value (USD Billion) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 36.1 | 29.6% |
| 2 | Vietnam | 15.5 | 12.7% |
| 3 | India | 9.71 | 7.96% |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 7.49 | 6.14% |
| 5 | Mexico | 5.53 | 4.53% |
| 6 | Indonesia | 4.00 | 3.28% |
| 7 | Cambodia | 3.80 | 3.11% |
| 8 | Pakistan | 3.00 | 2.46% |
| 9 | Honduras | 2.50 | 2.05% |
| 10 | Italy | 2.30 | 1.89% |
Top 10 USA Apparel Importers & Garment Buyers (2024)
The U.S. retail industry depends heavily on several large importers who shape sourcing trends globally. Here are the top apparel importers based on volume, supplier networks, and sourcing strategies:
1. Walmart
The largest global retailer, Walmart sources billions worth of garments from China, Bangladesh, and India. Their low-cost, high-volume model makes them the top apparel importer in the USA.
2. Target
Target imports budget-friendly fashion and home textiles, particularly from Vietnam and India. Their focus on ethical sourcing and private labels like Goodfellow & Co. drives their buying volume.
3. Amazon
Operating both directly and via third-party sellers through FBA, Amazon sources garments from Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam. It dominates fast fashion and essential wear categories.
4. Costco
Known for value and seasonal apparel, Costco imports under its in-house brand Kirkland Signature. They buy in bulk from China, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
5. TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, Marshalls)
A leader in the off-price retail segment, TJX imports excess inventory from manufacturers in Southeast Asia and Central America, avoiding long-term contracts and tariffs.
6. Macys
A premium department store importing fashion-forward apparel from China, Vietnam, and Latin America. Macys is increasingly prioritizing sustainability.
7. Kohls
With a focus on athleisure and family fashion, Kohls imports through long-term partnerships in India, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
8. Gap Inc.
The parent company of Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, Gap Inc. sources from Vietnam, Indonesia, and invests heavily in transparent and ethical supply chains.
9. H&M
Though headquartered in Sweden, H&M is a top apparel importer into the USA, sourcing fast fashion from Bangladesh, Turkey, and Cambodia, with a focus on circular fashion.
10. Ross Stores
Ross leverages liquidation channels for bulk, seasonal apparel imports, primarily from China and Central America.
Singapore Export Products: Global Impact
Though Singapore is not a major textile manufacturer, it holds a strategic role in global trade with its exports of high-value products and apparel-related goods.
Top Exports of Singapore (2024)
| Rank | Export Product | Export Value (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electronics (ICs, semiconductors) | 140+ |
| 2 | Refined Petroleum | 92.4 |
| 3 | Machinery and Equipment | 51.7 |
| 4 | Pharmaceuticals | 24.5 |
| 5 | Optical, Technical Instruments | 17.2 |
| 6 | Organic Chemicals | 15.3 |
| 7 | Precious Metals & Jewelry | 10.9 |
| 8 | Plastics and Polymers | 8.1 |
| 9 | Textile Machinery and Accessories | 5.7 |
| 10 | Apparel Accessories (Re-exports) | 3.4 |
Singapores Role in Apparel Trade
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Exports textile machinery, dyes, and components to India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
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Acts as a re-export hub for luxury fashion accessories.
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Hosts logistics and trade operations for multinational apparel brands.
Thus, while Singapore doesnt manufacture garments at scale, it enables the back-end infrastructure for regional apparel exports a critical cog in the supply chain.
How to Find Garment Importers in the USA
Finding genuine buyers is crucial for exporters and suppliers. Heres how you can locate verified USA garment importers using trade data platforms.
Step-by-Step on Seair Exim Solutions:
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Go to Seair Exim Solutions
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Use search terms like USA apparel importers or garment buyers USA.
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Navigate to USA Import Data section.
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Filter by HS Codes 62016212 (for garments).
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Select the USA as the importing country.
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Explore detailed shipment data: buyer name, product, port of import, volume.
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Upgrade for premium access to contact and export data.
You can also request custom garment buyers databases based on product type, location, or frequency of import.
Trends Shaping USA Apparel Imports
1. Shift from China
Due to tariffs and political uncertainty, U.S. buyers are moving towards Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh.
2. Sustainability Matters
Retailers like H&M, Macys, and Target demand ethical sourcing, organic fibers, and sustainable factories.
3. Nearshoring & Digitalization
Apparel importers are exploring Mexico, Central America, and using supply chain tech to reduce lead times.
Conclusion
The USA is undoubtedly the largest importer of garments in the world, with giants like Walmart and Amazon sourcing billions of dollars in apparel. Countries like Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh dominate in supply, while Singapore continues to power global trade through its export of apparel-related machinery, chemicals, and re-exports.
For manufacturers, exporters, or trade consultants, staying updated with USA apparel importers and understanding the global supply chain landscape, including players like Singapore, is key to long-term growth.
Whether youre seeking verified garment buyers in the USA or want to explore Singapore's export capabilities, platforms like Seair Exim Solutions offer reliable, real-time trade intelligence.
