just-style authors and correspondents

Biography

Dr Sheng Lu is an associate professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware. With over 50 publications in academic and trade journals, Sheng’s research focuses on the economic and business aspects of the global soft-goods industry (textiles, apparel and related retailing), including international trade, trade policy and the governance of the global apparel value chain. Sheng received the 2014 Rising Star Award from the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) in recognition of his research and teaching excellence. He is also the recipient of the Paper of Distinction Award at the 2014, 2015 and 2017 ITAA annual conference for his study on the textile and apparel specific sectoral impact of mega free trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) and the Regional Comprehensive and Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Sheng received his PhD from the University of Missouri in Textile and Apparel Management in 2011. From 2009 to 2010, he worked with the US-China Business Council in Washington DC, conducting policy analysis and market research for US multinationals doing business with China.

Articles by Dr Sheng Lu

re:source monthly trade programme roundup – August 2018 6 September 2018

The latest monthly round-up of updates to key free trade agreements and trade preference programmes involving the US, EU and Japan covers developments in July 2018. Trade agreements, rules of origin, tariffs and schedules are all covered in depth in re:source, the new online strategic planning tool from the team behind just-style.

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Changing trends in world textile and apparel trade 4 September 2018

The value of world textile and apparel exports returned to growth in 2017 for the first time in two years, with notable trends including China's textile shipments reaching a new record high and Vietnam's continuing climb as a leading exporter. In turn, these shifts are closely linked to changing patterns in world apparel manufacturing, writes Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware.

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Key apparel supply chain takeaways from Sourcing at MAGIC 28 August 2018

The MAGIC trade show held earlier this month in Las Vegas provided Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, with an ideal opportunity to talk with vendors from some leading apparel sourcing destinations about the latest sourcing trends and the overall business environment.

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Timeline – Trump’s track record on trade – Update 24 August 2018

Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, his administration has been busy fulfilling major campaign promises on trade policy – much to the concern of US fashion brands and apparel retailers. To keep abreast of developments, Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, has compiled a timeline of all the key milestones.

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re:source monthly trade programme roundup – July 2018 14 August 2018

The latest monthly round-up of updates to key free trade agreements and trade preference programmes involving the US, EU and Japan covers developments in July 2018. Trade agreements, rules of origin, tariffs and schedules are all covered in depth in re:source, the new online strategic planning tool from the team behind just-style.

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Can Vietnam reach its apparel export potential? 24 May 2018

Vietnam’s clothing exports have surged over the past decade, and the country is widely seen as the ‘next China’ for apparel sourcing. But despite optimism for further expansion under the upcoming CPTPP and EVFTA trade pacts, buyers should instead prepare for limited growth.

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EU textile and apparel trade – four key things to know 3 May 2018

Based on an analysis of the latest Eurostat data, Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware provides a big-picture overview of the state of the EU textile and apparel industry and trade. Understanding these critical patterns is key to helping companies better explore the region's huge sourcing and market access opportunities.

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Four key patterns in US apparel imports 1 March 2018

What do the changing dynamics of US apparel imports reveal about the shifting sourcing and supply chain strategies of US fashion brands and retailers? Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, takes a look.

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5 key trends in world textile and apparel trade 14 December 2017

Based on an analysis of the latest World Trade Organization (WTO) data, this article identifies five key trends in world textile and apparel trade and assesses their future implications.

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Which products would be hardest hit if NAFTA nixed? 8 November 2017

As talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) head into their fifth round later this month, concerns remain that US President Donald Trump may end the agreement should the United States, Canada and Mexico be unable to strike a deal. Here Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, identifies the textile and apparel products that would be most affected by NAFTA's termination.