Home textiles imports have doubled since 2000

Home textiles imports have doubled since 2000 Domestic imports of tariff-defined home textiles jumped more than 250 percent by volume since 2000, according to numbers released Wednesday by cargo tracking firm PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions.
   The growth of 'big box' retailers, the largest importers of home textiles, helped lead the increase according to the group. The PIERS Sector Snapshot, a periodic summary of containerized import-export trade in key commodities, also broke out California, home to three of the four busiest container ports in the nation, as the location of the most importing firms.
   The tariff subset of sheets, towels and blankets accounted for 82 percent of total imports of home textiles in 2006.
   In addition to the sheets, towels and blankets subset, the home textiles tariff category includes apparel, fabrics (including raw cotton), and rugs and floor coverings.