Sourcing factor's effect on the pattern of China's apparel exports to the United States

by 1977- Zhang, Qimin

This study examined and compared the significance of several important sourcing factors and how they influenced the trade pattern between the United States and China from 1985 through 2000. Under the context that all apparel quota restrictions against China will be phased-out by 2005, quota effect was specially emphasized by analyzing the relationship among quota limitations, utilization rates, and U.S. import demand. Telephone interviews were also conducted in an effort to get retailers’ opinions regarding these sourcing factors based on their sourcing strategy. The research found that most of the examined variables significantly influenced the trade pattern of the selected apparel groups and, that quota removal will boost the U.S. apparel import from China.