The most-read stories on just-style this week include a look at how the EU FTA and TPP trade agreements will affect Vietnam, criticism of Walmart for not doing enough to improve conditions for garment workers, H&M’s commitment to DBL Group’s new factory in Ethiopa, a warning from Nike regarding ‘conflict minerals’ and a look at why Central America must make better use of DR-CAFTA.

Vietnam – Are we too late to the party?
Will the EU FTA and TPP trade agreements truly make Vietnam the replacement solution to the higher labour cost challenges in China? Gary Barraco, director of global product marketing for Amber Road, suggests that when it comes to sourcing in Vietnam, whoever gets on the floor first, wins – and that the time to act is now.

Now Walmart accused of supply chain worker abuses
US retail giant Walmart is the latest company to be accused of not doing enough to improve conditions for garment workers at its supplier factories in Asia.

H&M commits to DBL Group’s new Ethiopia factory
Bangladesh based ready-made garment and textile giant DBL Group is making progress on plans to establish a factory in Ethiopia that will provide around 4,000 jobs and be supported by long-time customer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). 

Nike warns of ‘conflict minerals’ in some products
Sporting goods giant Nike has warned that some ‘conflict minerals’ in its products may come from the Democratic Republic of Congo or neighbouring countries – and that it intends to work with suppliers to obtain information on their origin.

Why Central America must make better use of DR-CAFTA
Central America must do more to make better use of the flexibilities of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States, and move to leverage the so-called staging categories of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to boost its competitiveness, according to experts. 

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Just Style Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Style Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact

Excellence in Action
From bio-based durable water repellents to 90–95% wastewater recovery, Archroma’s dual win in the 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards highlights its sustainability-first approach. Find out how PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 and the Mahachai ZLD project are helping apparel and textile players meet tightening global regulations.

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