Garment exporters hit by China competition

Far too many apparel suppliers have concluded the recession is to blame for their falling sales. Instead, believes Mike Flanagan, the real reason for their problems is that the US and EU last year finally lifted all restrictions against garment imports from China and Vietnam, thus exposing the rest of the world from the full force of their competition.

THE FLANARANT: China competition hits harder than recession

3 February 2010

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5 February 2010

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CHINA: Women's wear suppliers eye 2010 volume growth

25 January 2010

A large majority of China's women's wear suppliers expect to grow sales in 2010, according to a study, though nearly two-thirds of companies in the sector admit that they either plan to maintain or reduce prices this year.

COMMENT: Recession ousts weak apparel firms - and countries

18 December 2009

More than a dozen garment manufacturing countries have seen their viability as volume suppliers to Western customers seriously undermined in the past year. China’s growing strength hasn’t been the clincher in any of them, but makes the market a great deal less comfortable for marginal players, writes Mike Flanagan.

ANALYSIS: Global apparel sourcing in uncertain times

2 June 2009

The recession has hit apparel retailers and their suppliers in different ways. While Western retail sales have fallen, not all manufacturing countries have followed suit. Many of Asia’s weaker producers are seeing sharp export declines, but exports are growing from the rest of the region. What really influences manufacturers’ success, says Mike Flanagan, is their ability to turn the current environment to their advantage.

Where does the current climate leave sourcing?

7 April 2009

With thousands of factories already closed in China alone, the global recession is taking its toll on apparel and footwear supply chains. A panel discussion at The Prime Source Forum in Hong Kong last week discussed how sourcing has now entered a transitional period. Joe Ayling reports from the event.

1 January 1900