Latest apparel and textile comment
The best views and opinions in apparel and textile industry publishing, all in one place, from apparel and textile's monthly columnists and in-house experts.
Unintended consequences of China clothing tariffs
If President Donald Trump imposes punitive tariffs on Chinese imports into the United States, David Birnbaum believes the move would simply...
Will fast fashion be a trade war casualty?
The worsening tariff war between the US and China reads like a bad Cold War thriller to Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc. Here...
Why Brexit in name only looks increasingly likely
After the publication of the UK government's Brexit White Paper earlier this month, Mike Flanagan, CEO at consultancy Clothesource, is more...
Trump, farmers and the anti-gravity tariff machine
On Tuesday the Trump administration sought to buy votes and silence farmers by offering them $12 billion to stop complaining about lost busi...
No miracle at midnight on the coming garment tariffs – Comment 26 Jul 2018
China is the target in the upcoming trade war with the US, and Donald Trump's latest threat to impose tariffs on all US$500bn of imported goods from China will undoubtedly hit garments. But replacing China means replacing 37-42% of all US apparel imports – and its deflationary impact on FOB prices, writes David Birnbaum.
re:source – the future of apparel sourcing starts here 23 Jul 2018
What has 26 million rows of data, more than 90+ trade agreements, in-depth profiles of the world’s top 25 garment producing countries, and 20 years of clothing trade data? Answer: the new re:source suite of apparel sourcing tools developed by the team here at just-style. And best of all? It’s now live.
From Field To Shelf – Hold the hysteria on Trump's tariffs 17 Jul 2018
Over the past few days, the media has covered the current round of tariff retaliations between the US and China as a boxing match, writes Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc. But it’s only round two and for now, at least, calm analysis is what’s needed.
What does the future hold for Made in China? 29 Jun 2018
Trade wars between the US and China are ramping up – but China's role within the global apparel supply chain is already weakening and retailers are increasingly turning to other countries for their clothing needs. So what does the future hold for 'Made in China'?
Who pays for a higher wage for garment factory workers? 28 Jun 2018
Doug Miller & Klaus Hohenegger
This year has seen statutory minimum wage rises in a number of countries and their provinces, with a number still in the pipeline. Yet there continues to be a disconnect between buying departments and compliance teams when it comes to costing labour in price negotiations. So who should pay for a minimum wage increase? Two industry experts share their thoughts.
From Field To Shelf – US cotton just took one for the team 26 Jun 2018
The price of cotton fell more than 10 cents a pound last week, after getting caught in the crossfire of the the tit-for-tat trade war between the US and China. Writing in his new ‘From Field To Shelf’ column on just-style, Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc, says Trump just trashed the American cotton industry, and asks: What happens now?
Making your fashion brand more ethical and sustainable 20 Jun 2018
Today's consumers are increasingly concerned their purchases should be inflicting the least possible harm on the environment and societies around the globe. As a consequence, there is more pressure than ever on retailers and brands to reassure responsible consumers their products are made using raw materials from reliable sources.
Faster fashion – How to shorten the apparel calendar 29 May 2018
To get new styles into stores more quickly, fashion companies must improve internal collaboration, tap into consumer insights, and start to digitise the value chain, according to new insight from McKinsey.
How buying from Bangladesh can help boost wages 27 Apr 2018
In spite of the country's advances since 2013, Bangladesh's minimum wage is still just $64 a month. Mike Flanagan asks why, and suggests that buying more from Bangladesh would be in the interests of US brands and retailers.
Let’s salute Bangladesh’s progress since Rana Plaza 24 Apr 2018
Five years ago, the Rana Plaza catastrophe made Bangladesh notorious – and turned our industry into a pariah. Today, our reaction to the catastrophe has helped Bangladesh become a beacon for how poor countries can pull themselves out of poverty and, in the process, transform human rights and gender equality. All through clothing exports to the West. You will probably never again help achieve anything so extraordinary.
Rana Plaza five years on – A time for reflection 24 Apr 2018
As the global garment industry stops to reflect on the tragic events that took place in Bangladesh exactly five years ago today (24 April), it is also a time to consider what has changed, what hasn't – and what still needs to be done. Here we share the views of a number of industry executives and stakeholders on progress so far.
Global supply chains still missing sourcing strategy links 3 Apr 2018
Like the scientists and academics debating the missing link in human evolution, global supply chains are still missing "links" when it comes to their sourcing strategies, even after years of practice. In today's supply chains this is the compelling connection between sourcing and logistics.
The Flanarant – Brexit threat fades, along with interest 23 Mar 2018
This week, the UK and EU agreed a provisional Brexit transition deal on their relationship from March 2019. So what's going to change next year? More or less nothing, writes Mike Flanagan, adding that the end result is likely to mean little more than 'Brexit existing as name only' – or Beano.
Winners and losers of a Trump tariff on China garments 22 Mar 2018
As President Donald Trump prepares to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese imports into the United States – which could include apparel and footwear – David Birnbaum takes a look at the potential winners and losers in the global garment trade.
Science of Apparel – a model for the industry of the future 20 Mar 2018
There is a growing trend that indicates the reimagining of the relationship between the customer and supplier – and also the way in which the suppliers and factories are valued, writes Emma Birnbaum. And she believes Science of Apparel sets a new standard for the future.
What’s best for business – Family firms vs public companies 2 Mar 2018
Why are family-run firms prospering while traditional professionally-run multinational corporations are failing? David Birnbaum suggests the best examples of the contrast between the two are to be found within the global garment industry.
Four ways to ensure sustainable fashion is here to stay 16 Feb 2018
With London Fashion Week kicking off today, how can the fashion industry make sure that sustainable fashion is always in season rather than a passing fad?
Gaps remain in India's move towards sustainability 12 Feb 2018
India's textile and garment industry is making strides in ensuring ethical compliance and environmental standards in its factories. Yet gaps still exist, and filling these will be key if it is to reach its full potential, cement long-term relationships with brands, and compete more effectively in Asia.
Financial market 'corrections' – should you worry? 6 Feb 2018
The last 24 hours have seen a wave of sell-offs on global stock markets. Is there cause for concern? Yes, but there is also a need for some perspective and there is no reason to believe that a global economic recession is imminent or inevitable.
Trump goes to Davos as uncertainty abounds 5 Feb 2018
Trump goes to Davos while NAFTA grinds on, the dollar tumbles, and uncertainty reigns. Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc, tries to unravel what it might mean – if anything – for the textile and clothing sector.
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