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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

Timeline – Trump’s track record on trade – Update 19 June 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, assistant 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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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. 

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The impact of Trump’s trade policy on apparel businesses 26 September 2017

There’s no doubt the Trump administration has been very active on the trade front – but what exactly is its trade policy, what is it hoping to achieve, and what are the implications for the textile and apparel industry? Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, takes a look.

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How the global apparel sourcing landscape is changing 6 September 2017

As usual MAGIC, one of the largest fashion trade shows in the United States held 13-16 August in Las Vegas, was crowded and hot. The event attracted over 81,000 attendees, including vendors, buyers, service providers and educational institutions coming from over 40 countries and regions. Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, presents his thoughts from the event regarding the industry outlook and the changing landscape of apparel sourcing.

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RCEP and its potential impact on textile and apparel trade 13 June 2017

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has the potential to be one of the most significant mega-FTAs in the world, both economically and politically. And as Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware explains, the implications for the textile and apparel trade are enormous.

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Is China losing its edge as a US apparel supplier? 12 April 2017

The outlook for China as a supplier of textiles and apparel (T&A) to the US market remains a topic of heated debate among industry professionals and academics. But an analysis of 2016 trade data by Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, shows that while the country looks set to maintain its lead into the future, increasing competition is coming from suppliers in the Western Hemisphere who offer faster speed to market.