Indonesia's apparel exporters to the U.S. are still maintaining their ability to remain competitive in the U.S. market, which is not an easy accomplishment given Vietnam and Indian's increased market share in the U.S. market; not to mention the ongoing competition against China, the largest supplier to the U.S. Mainland. 

In February 2008, Indonesia shipped US$354.25 million worth of textiles and apparel to the U.S. market; this represented 10.9 percent year-on-year growth and made Indonesia the fifth largest supplier to the U.S., only falling behind China, Indian, Vietnam and Mexico.  Indonesia shipped more to the U.S. in February than did Bangladesh, measured both in volume terms as well as in USD value.

The minor appreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar has benefited Indonesian mills; while its competitors, China and India, have had to deal with a continued appreciation of their currencies.

Indonesia's January through February 2008 exports to the U.S. increased 5.6 percent in volume terms.  Cotton apparel exports expanded 3.4 percent in volume, while man-made apparel dropped 2.3 percent.  Man-made fiber yarn experienced healthy growth, with exports increasing 46.1 percent in January through February.

Within cotton apparel, the largest export products were women and girl's slacks, knit blouses, men and boy's non-knit shirts, cotton trousers and knit shirts.  The fastest-growing cotton apparel exports have recently occurred in women and girl's knit blouses, cotton coats/underwear/dresses and men and boy's knit shirts.