Shein says it worked with Cascale Better Buying and WRAP in 2025, assessing wages and completing worker surveys among 208 of its largest suppliers in Guangzhou, China.
The researchers analysed 7,317 wage samples from 2,441 workers and surveyed 9,981 workers about their experiences.
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The vast majority (95.3%) of surveyed workers were earning at or above the hourly living wage for Guangzhou, as calculated by WRAP-accredited monitoring company CTI.
However, only 60.9% of workers said they felt their wage was sufficient to cover their living expenses, compared to 26.7% who said it was insufficient and 12.4% were unsure. Shein said the gap could reflect “personal needs and aspirations” as much as it does earning levels.
To follow up, Shein says it is working with WRAP and the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) to pilot an independently run worker care hotline for third-party workers at a selected number of facilities.
“Since launching in March 2026, the hotline has provided workers with access to legal, psychological, and HR support, offering them professional and efficient support for real-life challenges they face at their workplaces and at home,” Shein explained.
Shein has also subscribed to the fifth annual Cascale Better Buying Partnership Ship Index (BBPI), with 72 of its suppliers completing a survey rating its purchasing practices.
On a scale of -100 to +100, Shein received a rating of +64, against a benchmark of +61, with 90.3% of its suppliers rating it as a preferred partner.
However, Shein also noted that suppliers had identified areas for improvement.
Suppliers called for “greater and more stable order volumes” as they said demand variability, often seen when specific styles or products are removed from sale, or during off-peak periods, creates challenges.
Shein suppliers also said they are facing increased costs and cashflow issues due to a more challenging and competitive global trade environment. They called for closer communication and support from Shein on short-term demand changes and longer-term business strategy shifts to reduce disruption and uncertainty.
Shein added: “Findings from the BBPI survey were shared with Shein’s senior leadership and relevant business teams to inform ongoing efforts to strengthen purchasing practices and supplier engagement.”
