U.S. apparel imports have been falling, but that does not mean American clothing makers have done better. Panjiva data shows imports of synthetic fabrics have fallen for 17 straight months through August. Yarns have also struggled, with nylon-based one half their level of three years ago and polyester yarns falling since February after two years of growth. Staple fibres have also turned around, with two years of growth abruptly ending in February to the detriment of Fibertex and Invista.