US criticizes China as textile plants close

Washington DC

The United States has strongly criticized China’s trade practices, blaming them for harming the American textile and apparel industry. Over the past 22 months, 28 textile plants have closed across the US, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

On National Textile Day, the USTR posted on social media that China’s “non-market” policies are giving unfair advantages to its textile producers. These policies, it said, let Chinese companies sell products at very low prices, making it hard for US manufacturers to compete.

In 2024, the US imported $79.3 billion worth of apparel, with 21% coming from China. The USTR also pointed out that Chinese online shopping companies are sending large numbers of shipments into the US while avoiding tariffs, hurting local businesses, especially in the Southeast.

The USTR warned that this flood of cheap products is damaging American factories and workers. Many US producers are struggling to survive under the pressure of low-cost imports.

In total, the US and China traded $582.4 billion in goods in 2024. While the US exported $143.5 billion in goods to China, it imported $438.9 billion. This led to a trade deficit of $295.4 billion, which grew by 5.8% from the previous year.

The USTR’s statement highlights growing concerns about how Chinese trade practices are affecting American jobs and industries. US officials are urging for fairer trade rules and stronger enforcement to protect domestic manufacturing from unfair competition.