Double-digit declines in apparel and equipment imports and a small dip in footwear imports sent total industry imports down 7.6% in the final quarter of 2019 to $4,969.0 million from $5,380.0 million in Q4 ’18, and overall imports for the year ended up with just a 0.1% gain to $21,299.4 million from $21,271.2 million. The industry paused and took a deep breath after companies had rushed to land shipments from China ahead of the List 4A tariffs imposition on Sep. 15. Many importers had pulled deliveries forward to beat the tariffs, and inventory levels were generally well topped up leading ... Log in to view full article.