Consumer Hardlines: Mattress Imports

This note addresses the March 2023 mattress import data posted on the Department of Commerce (DoC), US International Trade Commission DataWeb at We track imports for three specific 10-digit Harmonized Tariff System (HTS-10) that define adult mattresses. The DoC normally posts detailed HTS import units and customs values on its website ~70 days after the month-end of the month being reported. US mattress imports began attracting investor attention after low-cost imports disrupted the production and sales of domestic makers of mattresses, components, and fabric suppliers. That import surge catalyzed several USITC/USITA antidumping petitions, investigations, and duties on mattress imports from China and seven other countries. For ease, we refer to the eight countries subject to mattress import antidumping margins as the AD8. Under Industry Statistics, we compile and summarize the data for March 2023 versus March 2022 (Y/Y comp) and February 2023 (M/M comp). March 2023 unit imports rebounded 19.7% sequentially after falling 22.2% in February. Irrespective, the Y/Y decline steepened to 42.4% in March; 1Q was down 35% (see tables below). While total imports from the AD8 countries rebounded in March, Vietnam and Indonesia are the only countries of that group that are now meaningful exporters. Figures 1 and 2 summarize unit, customs value, and customs value per unit (calculated) for the first calendar quarters of 2023 and the past six years. YTD, total mattress unit imports fell by ~36%, while imports value fell by ~32%. YTD, Mexico remains the largest mattress exporting country to the US, a perch it reached during the past two years. As shown in Figure 3, since mid-2022, its monthly unit and value exports each eclipsed the totals from the AD8. While still the case for total imported mattress customs value, the total monthly imported units of the AD8 were higher than Mexico in January and March 2023 due to Indonesia and Vietnam.