US imports of cotton denim trousers (men/boys and women/girls) were up 26% in volume terms in January 2005, from the same month last year.
Shipments from foreign countries had only risen 9% in 2004, by contrast.
The surge in imports reflects a 737% increase in entries of cotton denim trousers from China.
From 14,527 dozen in January 2003, imports from China climbed to 121,700 dozen in the same month this year.
China already ranked third in January, only after Mexico and Hong Kong.
Shipments from Hong Kong fell 13% in January, as more trousers were directly imported from China.
China's share of US import market rose from 0.73% up to 4.88% while Hong Kong's share fell from 10.57% to 7.37% at the same time.
Mexico's share is still predominant, although declining from 47.76% to 45.38%.
China's shipments are expected further surging in the coming months, until Washington possibly re-imposes limits on imports in related categories 347/348.
Imports from China still included shipments under quotas because they left Chinese ports before January 1st.
Average price of trousers imported from China fell about US$26 per dozen to US$104 in January, reflecting elimination of quota fees.
Quota costs ranged from US$7.10 up to US$49.50 in the past year in categories 347/348.
China prices remained relatively high in January, compared with other low-cost countries in Asia. Prices were expected further falling in February data with nearly all shipments free of US quotas.
Not surprisingly, Cambodia was the first victim of the surge in US imports from China.
Shipments from Cambodia were down 11% in January, from the same month of 2004.
Imports from the Philippines even declined 20% in January, in line with last year's fall.
Duty-free imports from Central America were in sharp rise in January, by contrast.
Shipments from Guatemala were up 146% in volume terms, now ranking fourth while imports from Costa Rica and Honduras also were very strong.
Outside the Americas, Lesotho, Kenya and Jordan continued taking advantage from their US duty-free access.
