Imports support over 21 million jobs in US: Study

The 10 states accounting for the largest number of import-related jobs are California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, said the report titled Imports Work for American Workers.

Imports from key trading partners —including Canada, China, the European Union and Mexico — support a net positive number of US jobs. The vast majority (96 per cent) of companies who import are small or medium-sized businesses.

The study focuses on the net impact of imports on US jobs — including statistics on sectors such as retail, apparel and manufacturing. It also looks at how trade policy initiatives pending before Congress and the administration with the potential to preserve or diminish import-related jobs.

The American Apparel and Footwear Association, the American Chemistry Council, the Consumer Technology Association, the National Foreign Trade Council, the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the US Chamber of Commerce, the US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) and the US Global Value Chain Coalition commissioned the study, which was prepared by Laura M Baughman and Dr Joseph F Francois of Trade Partnership Worldwide.

“Imports are a vital component of the US economy,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president of supply chain and customs policy. “Not only do they expand the product market and lower the overall price of goods for consumers, but they also help create and support millions of American jobs.”

“USFIA supports Fashion Made Possible by Global Trade,” says Julia Hughes, president of the USFIA. “American fashion brands and retailers rely on American workers for the research, product development and design, logistics, sourcing, sales teams and creativity to make the products that consumers want to wear.”

The study is being released during the ongoing World Trade Week as part of World Trade Month to highlight the essential role that imports play in the US and global economy.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)