Report summary

The US apparel industry has experienced a dramatic long-term decline as globalisation, trade liberalisation and offshoring have reshaped the sector. Since 1990, the US apparel manufacturing workforce has fallen by more than 90%, while around 97% of clothing and footwear sold in the country is now imported, largely from low-wage economies such as Bangladesh, China and Vietnam.

However, the political and economic backdrop is changing. Support for trade liberalisation has weakened, consumer expectations are evolving, and globalisation may be slowing as President Trump promotes a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing through his Make America Great Again agenda. Against this backdrop, renewed attention is being given to the possibility of reshoring apparel manufacturing to the USA.

The report explains that reshoring faces significant structural obstacles. These include substantially higher production costs compared with overseas manufacturing, gaps in domestic infrastructure, and heavy dependence on global supply chains. Even when garments are assembled in the USA, many key inputs - such as fabrics, threads, fasteners and trims—are still sourced internationally.

Despite these constraints, the report identifies several converging trends that are strengthening the case for US-based apparel production. Growing consumer demand for ethically made and environmentally sustainable products is increasing pressure on brands to shorten and localise supply chains. At the same time, federal initiatives and technological advances - particularly automation and labour-saving innovations - are improving the commercial viability of domestic manufacturing.

The report also highlights examples of companies that have already demonstrated the feasibility of producing apparel in the USA, including American Giant, Ministry of Supply and Reformation, suggesting that reshoring, while limited, is achievable under the right conditions.

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Publisher: Textiles Intelligence

Report title: Editorial: Can the USA reshore its apparel industry?

Number of pages: 8

Date of publication: November 2025

Report price: Euro 340.00; US$ 445.00

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