World trade in denim fabric fluctuated between 530,000 tons and 760,000 tons per year between 2001 and 2011, and averaged 670,000 tons over those years.
The largest import market is Hong Kong, followed by Turkey and Mexico, with annual imports of 95,000 tons, 58,000 tons, and 53,000 tons, respectively, in 2011. China is the major exporter of denim, about 273,000 tons in 2012.
The second largest exporter was Pakistan, with 70,000 tons, followed by Turkey, India, and the United States with 37,000 tons, 36,000 tons, and 35,000, respectively.
The value of annual world denim imports fluctuated between $3.0 billion and $3.9 billion, between 2001 and 2011. Export and import unit values for denim rose from about $4 per kilogram in the early 2000s to between $7 and $8 per kilogram in 2011.
This information will be included in a report to the 72nd Plenary Meeting of the ICAC in Cartagena, Colombia beginning September 29, 2013. Approximately 400 people are likely to participate in the meeting.
