In Figures - Understanding the Chinese Advantage

When quotas restricted Chinese clothing exports, manufacturers had to find new ways to compete. They diversified into producing every kind of garment, not just low-value products.

The levels of skill and service they acquired in the process set new standards in the industry, which they could fully exploit once quotas ended.

Note: All FOB prices are calculated from square metre equivalents. Since some imports are measured in pieces (dozens or sets) and others by weight, the only way to total units is to convert everything into square metre equivalents. This is not the best measuring unit, it is the only measuring unit.

Charts derived from the Office of Textiles and Apparel, United States Department of Commerce data, dated 18 August 2005. See http://www.otexa.ita.doc.gov/