The most-read stories on just-style this week include a look at Ethiopia's potential as an emerging apparel sourcing hub, the building blocks that will help Under Armour achieve its manufacturing vision, and Esquel Group investing $2.4m in Sea Island cotton research. 

All eyes on Ethiopia as an emerging sourcing hub
There has been a big buzz around Ethiopia as a potential source of apparel for at least the last five years – yet disappointingly small exports of just US$112m in 2014. But that could finally be set to change, as Jozef De Coster reports from last week’s 'Origin Africa' event in Addis Ababa.

Local-­for­-local shapes Under Armour manufacturing vision
Having set out plans to double annual revenues to US$7.5bn by 2018, US sportswear giant Under Armour is adding more detail on the building blocks that will help to achieve its big-picture ambitions – including a shake-up of the way it makes its products.

Ethiopia textile and apparel investments accelerate
From fast-growing textile hub Mekele to expansion plans by several international groups to expand their production capabilities in Ethiopia, the scale of current and planned investments in the country appears to be accelerating. Jozef De Coster reports from last week’s 'Origin Africa' event in Addis Ababa.

Esquel Group invests $2.4m in Sea Island cotton research
The development of cotton production in China is expected to benefit from a CNY15m (US$2.4m) genome sequencing project funded by vertically integrated cotton to clothing giant Esquel Group.

Is heat stress the next threat to apparel supply chains?
Global manufacturing hubs in South-East Asia – including key clothing and footwear producers Vietnam and Cambodia – could see double-digit drops in worker productivity over the next 30 years due to the impact of rising temperatures and extreme heat stress, a new report warns.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Style Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Style Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now