Duty-free access to the $130B US apparel market requires the right paperwork.

The textiles, apparel, and footwear sector represents one of the most dynamic and globally interconnected industries in international trade. For the United States, imports of these products exceeded $130 billion in 2023, with Latin America and Africa supplying a growing share of value-added garments, technical textiles, and leather footwear. The US market demands speed, compliance, and quality, and suppliers in regions such as Central America, the Andean nations, and Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly well-positioned to meet those demands thanks to preferential trade agreements like CAFTA-DR, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

Yet navigating the US regulatory environment, buyer expectations, and logistics networks requires specialized knowledge that many producers lack. Coppermont bridges that gap, connecting US buyers with verified suppliers and helping manufacturers in Latin America and Africa structure their export operations to compete effectively in the American market. Whether you are a denim mill in Guatemala, a footwear factory in the Dominican Republic, or a US retailer seeking nearshore sourcing alternatives, understanding the trade corridors, tariff schedules, and compliance standards is essential to capturing value.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the trade landscape for textiles, apparel, and footwear between the US and the two most promising supply regions in the world today.

Exporting Textiles Apparel & Footwear to the US

The United States is the world's largest importer of apparel and footwear, with total imports exceeding $100 billion annually. Key product categories include cotton and synthetic woven and knitted garments, activewear, outerwear, underwear, hosiery, leather and non-leather footwear, and industrial textiles. Latin American suppliers dominate in certain segments: for example, Honduras and El Salvador are top suppliers of cotton t-shirts and knit shirts to the US, while Colombia and Peru are known for high-quality denim and alpaca wool garments.

Brazil has a growing capacity in technical textiles and footwear components. From Africa, Kenya and Lesotho are major exporters of apparel under AGOA, producing everything from basic t-shirts to more complex tailored suits for US private label buyers. Ethiopia has invested heavily in industrial parks focused on footwear and garments, attracting brands like PVH and H&M.

US buyers range from mass-market retailers such as Walmart and Target to specialty boutiques and e-commerce brands seeking unique, sustainable, or ethically produced goods. The key advantage for LATAM and African suppliers is preferential duty treatment: under AGOA, eligible Sub-Saharan African countries can export apparel duty-free using US or regional fabric, while CAFTA-DR countries enjoy duty-free access for most apparel made from regional or US fabric. However, rules of origin, visa requirements, and documentation can be complex.

Coppermont assists suppliers in classifying their products under the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, preparing certificates of origin, and ensuring compliance with the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Flammable Fabrics Act. Beyond compliance, we help suppliers understand buyer expectations around minimum order quantities, packaging, labeling, and delivery schedules. For example, a Guatemalan knitwear manufacturer looking to supply a US outdoor brand must meet strict performance standards for moisture wicking and UV protection, which we help them test and certify.

The opportunity is substantial: with US importers increasingly seeking nearshore and Africa-sourced alternatives to Asia due to supply chain resilience concerns, the market is ripe for well-prepared exporters.

Importing Textiles Apparel & Footwear from the US

While the US is a net importer of apparel and footwear, there is a significant two-way trade in specialized products. US exports of textiles, apparel, and footwear to Latin America and Africa totaled approximately $8 billion in 2023, according to the USITC. Key US exports include raw cotton, synthetic fibers and yarns, denim fabric, industrial textiles used in automotive and construction, and branded footwear and apparel for retail in regional markets.

For example, US-grown cotton is a critical input for textile mills in Mexico, Central America, and the Andean region, where it is spun, woven, and finished before being re-exported to the US or sold locally. US exports of technical textiles—such as geotextiles, medical nonwovens, and protective fabrics—are in demand for infrastructure projects and manufacturing in countries like Colombia, Peru, and South Africa. Branded US apparel and footwear also have a strong market among middle- and upper-income consumers in Latin American capitals and African commercial hubs like Nairobi and Lagos.

For US-based manufacturers and distributors, Coppermont provides market intelligence on local demand, distribution channels, and regulatory requirements for importing US textiles into target countries. We help navigate import tariffs, local labeling rules, and sanitary or safety standards that may apply to certain product categories. For instance, importing US-made children's sleepwear into Brazil requires compliance with ABNT NBR standards, which we can help assess and certify.

We also assist US companies in setting up distribution partnerships or joint ventures with local firms to expand their footprint. The trade is not one-sided: US suppliers of denim fabric find a ready market in Mexican and Colombian garment manufacturers who produce finished jeans for the US market. Understanding these value chain linkages is central to Coppermont's advisory approach.

Regulatory and Compliance Overview for Textiles Apparel & Footwear

Compliance is the backbone of successful textiles and apparel trade with the United States. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces the Flammable Fabrics Act, which sets flammability standards for clothing textiles, vinyl plastic film, and children's sleepwear. Apparel imported into the US must meet these standards, and testing by a CPSC-accredited laboratory is often required.

Additionally, the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act mandates that all textile products be labeled with the fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer or importer identification. Footwear must comply with labeling requirements under the Federal Trade Commission's rules, including proper marking of country of origin and material composition. For products sourced under preferential trade agreements like CAFTA-DR or AGOA, compliance with rules of origin is critical.

For example, under AGOA, apparel must be made from fabric wholly formed in the US or from yarn wholly formed in the US or an eligible Sub-Saharan African country, with specific exceptions for certain handmade or ethnic products. Coppermont helps suppliers and importers navigate these complex requirements by conducting compliance audits, preparing documentation, and liaising with testing labs. We also monitor for changes in trade policy, such as the recent expiration of certain AGOA provisions or updates to the USMCA rules for textile goods.

Beyond US regulations, exporters must consider sustainability and social compliance standards increasingly demanded by US buyers. Many retailers require suppliers to adhere to the Fair Labor Association or WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certification. Coppermont can guide suppliers through the certification process, ensuring they meet the ethical sourcing standards that open doors to major US retailers.

Failure to comply can result in shipments being detained by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), fines, or loss of preferential duty treatment. Our advisory minimizes these risks.

Countries and Trade Corridors Active in Textiles Apparel & Footwear

Several key trade corridors define the textiles, apparel, and footwear trade between the US and Latin America and Africa. The Central American corridor—encompassing Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic—is the most significant, with annual apparel exports to the US exceeding $10 billion under CAFTA-DR. These countries specialize in basic and mid-range garments, leveraging proximity to the US for fast turnaround.

The Andean corridor, led by Colombia and Peru, focuses on higher-value products: Colombian denim and swimwear, Peruvian pima cotton and alpaca garments, and leather footwear from both countries. Mexico, while part of the USMCA, is a dominant player in both apparel and technical textiles, with integrated supply chains that cross the border multiple times. In Africa, the East African corridor—Kenya, Ethiopia, Lesotho, and Madagascar—is the primary hub, with AGOA-eligible exports of apparel and footwear totaling over $1.5 billion in 2023 (USITC).

Kenya leads with knit shirts and trousers, while Ethiopia has developed a footwear cluster around Addis Ababa producing leather shoes for European and US brands. Lesotho is a major supplier of denim jeans to US retailers. West Africa, particularly Ghana and Nigeria, has growing capacity in cotton-based apparel and traditional textiles, though volumes remain modest.

Each corridor has distinct advantages and challenges: Central America offers speed and proximity; the Andean region offers quality and unique fibers; Africa offers duty-free access and growing labor capacity but faces logistics and energy infrastructure hurdles. Coppermont has on-the-ground partners across its Latin American corridors and can connect US buyers with vetted suppliers that match their product specifications, volume requirements, and ethical standards. We also advise on logistics routing—for example, using the Port of Savannah for Central American goods versus air freight for time-sensitive, high-value garments—to optimize cost and lead time.

How Coppermont Advisory Works for Textiles Apparel & Footwear

Coppermont's advisory process is designed to be practical and results-driven. For suppliers, we begin with a market readiness assessment: we analyze your product range, production capacity, certifications, and pricing against US market benchmarks. We then identify the most promising buyer segments—whether mass-market retailers, specialty brands, or e-commerce platforms—and help you develop a go-to-market strategy that includes product adaptation, packaging, and compliance preparation.

We connect you directly with US buyers through our curated network, facilitating sample submissions, factory audits, and contract negotiations. Our team also provides ongoing support for logistics, customs clearance, and regulatory updates. For US buyers, we act as a sourcing partner: we define your product requirements, conduct supplier scouting across Latin America and Africa, and present a shortlist of pre-vetted manufacturers.

We manage the qualification process, including factory visits, compliance checks, and reference verification. Once a supplier is selected, we help negotiate terms, set up quality control protocols, and monitor production to ensure on-time delivery. Whether you are a US retailer looking to diversify your supply chain away from Asia or a Latin American textile mill seeking your first US contract, Coppermont provides the expertise and network to make the trade happen.

Our team combines deep knowledge of textile manufacturing, US import regulations, and cross-cultural business practices, ensuring smooth transactions from first inquiry to final shipment. We have facilitated deals ranging from small-batch organic cotton apparel to container-loads of footwear, always with a focus on building long-term, mutually beneficial trade relationships.

The opportunity in textiles, apparel, and footwear trade between the US, Latin America, and Africa is vast and growing. With the right guidance, suppliers can access a market hungry for quality, speed, and sustainability, while US buyers can secure reliable, cost-effective sources closer to home or with preferential duty access. Coppermont is your partner in making that happen. Whether you are ready to start exporting or need help finding the right supplier, contact us today.