Blog: The new Millennium Bug?

Leonie Barrie | 23 February 2004

Several times in recent months I've heard the abolition of quotas at the end of 2004 likened to Y2K, otherwise known as the Millennium Bug. We all remember the run-up to 1 January 2000 and the expected global computer meltdown when systems and software attempted to register the date as 01-01-00. Whether we were saved by the actions of IT consultants on exhorbitant fees, or not, we'll never know. But what is certain is that the same level of hysteria seems to be breaking out in the clothing industry as firms try to ease their passage into the quota-free era. Will China take over the world's apparel supply chain? Will the value of world textile exports decrease? Who knows for sure, but what is certain is that we'll all be talking about it for the next 12 months at least. In a new feature that went live on the site today, consultant Mike Flanagan makes another valid point. He believes what we will be concerning ourselves with after 2004 will be anticipating regulatory change and government indecision. Now that really will be tough to fathom.