The most-read stories on just-style this week include worker shortages holding clothing exports back in Laos, President Obama suspending US trade preferences for Bangladesh, and a comment on prospects for an African clothing industry.
Laos export potential stifled by worker shortages
Laos has set its sights on more than doubling its clothing exports by 2015. But while order books are full and overseas demand on the rise, problems finding and retaining workers could prove to be major stumbling block. Jozef De Coster reports.
US: Suspend Bangladesh preferences, Obama told
President Obama should suspend US trade preferences for Bangladesh until the country makes “marked progress” on worker safety, according to nine Senators.
Brands collaborate to improve supply chains
Despite a seismic shift over the past 15 years in the way apparel factories, brands, and the industry at large deals with labour and sustainability issues, a number of challenging social and environmental issues still remain, according to industry experts speaking at the annual Made-By forum.
Comment: Prospects for an African clothing industry?
The sub-Saharan Africa clothing industry faces a number of challenges, including the fact it is only partly African-owned and much of it is rather tenuously located on the continent. But could a focus on grouping countries together as an integrated regional value chain be the answer to a more competitive future? asks Shane Godfrey.
CHINA: Fast Retailing introduces brands in China
Japanese retailer Fast Retailing is to introduce its GU, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam and PLST (plus T) clothing brands in China for the first time later this year.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData
