Final answer:
The share of apparel sold in the United States that is imported has risen significantly despite import quotas, tariffs, and nontariff barriers. This increase has had multiple effects, including a decline in U.S. jobs in textiles and apparel. However, import quotas and protectionism in the industry have resulted in higher costs for consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Despite import quotas, tariffs, and nontariff barriers, the share of apparel sold in the United States that is imported rose from about half in 1999 to about three-quarters today. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of U.S. jobs in textiles and apparel fell from 666,360 in 2007 to 385,240 in 2012, a 42% decline. Even more U.S. textile industry jobs would have been lost without tariffs. However, domestic jobs that are saved by import quotas come at a cost. Because textile and apparel protectionism adds to the costs of imports, consumers end up paying billions of dollars more for clothing each year.