Bangladesh will stay resilient, continue to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and live up to its image of a favourite destination for global investors despite the pandemic-induced economic downturn, according to a new report released by the US Department of State, which mentioned about the country’s large, young, and hard-working workforce and strategic location. The ‘2021 Investment Climate Statements’ report, which analyses …

Growing allegations of forced labor in their cotton supply chains have made sourcing awareness a top priority for fashion brands. Brands across the world are pressurized to refute usage of Xinjiang cotton in their garments. One such instance is Japan-based casual wear brand Uniqlo whose US shipments were blocked recently over concerns of connections with forced labor in China’s Xinjiang …

As footwear and apparel costs in the US rise faster than they have done in years, the presidents of the USFIA and FDRA ask: Is it time to end the outdated footwear and apparel tariffs? Like July 4th fireworks soaring overhead, shoppers in 2021 are seeing footwear and apparel costs rise the fastest in years point out, United States Fashion Industry Association …

Labour market conditions in Myanmar has witnessed ‘significant deterioration’ since the military took power in February this year, according to estimates released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which recently said employment contracted by an estimated 6 per cent in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, reflecting 1.2 million job losses. In the first half …

Large patches of apparel-producing zones in Asia will be under water by 2030, threatening thousands of suppliers with submersion unless they relocate to higher ground, an analysis by two Cornell University researchers showed. It was part of a paper commissioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) released last week. It overlaid maps of rising sea levels onto factory locations. The analysis by …

China’s textile and apparel (T&A) imports from Europe increased to $2 billion during January-April 2021 from $1.4 billion during the corresponding period in the previous year. As per a Textile Value Chain report, China’s imports from Europe grew 44.11 per cent during January-April 2021. Imports from Vietnam increased 35.74 per cent to $1.7 billion in 2021 during the same period. …

India’s Finance Ministry has refused to remove 10 per cent duty on cotton imports saying it benefits domestic producers. However, garment manufacturers argue the 10 cent duty on cotton imports makes export of high-quality clothing uncompetitive in the international market, reports United News of India. Amit Sethi, Joint Managing Director, Orient Fashions alleges, the duty makes import of high-quality cotton …

Ghana’s apparel exports are being continuously threatened by the low-cost, high-volume competing exports from China and other Asian countries, says the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). The sector’s prospects are linked to the relative speed with which it can be set up and the large impact on employment-generation, especially in industrial settings. In a Ghana Web report, the association says, …

The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) report 2020 revealed the impact of Covid-19 on the organic cotton farming industry, the challenges still to come and how collaboration is key to securing a market for organic cotton farmers. The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) 2020 report revealed it secured higher net profits for organic farmers in its Farm Programme for a third year, despite …

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has published a new report that reveals it is possible for fashion and apparel brands to make jeans fit for today’s circular economy. ‘The Jeans Redesign: Insights from the first two years’ reveals the barriers, solutions and innovation gaps faced by the 72 brands, retailers, garment manufacturers, fabric mills and laundries signed up to The Jeans Redesign’s common …