The downward slide in Mexico's denim apparel exports to the U.S. market is continuing to impact U.S. cotton denim fabric exports, which, in effect, is causing further deterioration in domestic U.S. cotton consumption -- cotton denim fabric exports have become very influential on U.S. cotton use. Cotton denim exports declined 21.6 percent in 2006 and are set to fall over 25 percent in 2007. The major driver behind this downturn is a sharp drop in exports to Mexico, with September exports to Mexico plunging 49.4 percent to 5.251 million square meter equivalents, which contributed to September total cotton denim fabric exports falling 21.3 percent. January through September cumulative cotton denim fabric exports declined 27.2 percent to 118.481 million square meters. Mexico remains the top market, but shipments have dropped 46.5 percent to 50.321 million square meters.