Latest insight

Vietnam leads US apparel import growth in January

Apparel imports into the US offered surprising results in January, with five of the top ten supplier countries posting declines. Vietnam and Bangladesh, however, both led with double-digit gains, while China's growth continued to accelerate.  Read the full article >

Related sourcing insights

Sourcing news

US$1.2bn cost to complete Bangladesh factory remediation 19 Apr 2018

Michelle Russell

The cost to remediate the remaining dangerous conditions in Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry is estimated at US$1.2bn, a new report suggests, as the call for funding and a collective commitment to finish the work gets louder.

Week of action targets more Bangladesh Accord signatories 18 Apr 2018

Michelle Russell

Two labour rights groups have planned a week of action urging garment brands to sign up to the 2018 Bangladesh Accord ahead of the five year anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster.

New programme tackles buying practices in Bangladesh 16 Apr 2018

Beth Wright

Better Buying and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) are to collaborate on an 18-month programme in Bangladesh to support and promote responsible buying practices within garment industry supply chains.

Bangladesh Alliance steps closer to new safety organisation 11 Apr 2018

Beth Wright

As the fifth anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster nears, the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety says it is making progress towards a collective agreement on worker safety with member brands ready and willing to partner with the government to establish a new locally-led safety organisation.

UN eyes green textile chemistry in Vietnam 11 Apr 2018

Beth Wright

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with the Vietnam Chemicals Agency Ministry to launch a three-year project aimed at reducing the use of hazardous chemicals and promoting green chemistry in six of the country's industrial sectors, including textile manufacturing.

Bangladesh wage board wants proposals this month 3 Apr 2018

Beth Wright

A new minimum board in Bangladesh, which was set up to recommend a minimum salary for workers in the country's US$28bn garment industry, is calling for proposals to be submitted later this month.

New Pakistan labour policy a major step forward 29 Mar 2018

Leonie Barrie

A new labour policy unveiled in Pakistan’s Sindh Province is not only the first in the country but also sets precedent when it comes to governing industrial relations and social rights.

Sourcemap to digitally map Bangladesh factories 29 Mar 2018

Michelle Russell

Digital supply chain mapping platform Sourcemap is aiming to bring a new level of transparency to the clothing industry with the launch of an initiative to digitally map Bangladesh’s garment factories.