Editorial: Vietnam now the world's second biggest apparel exporter, ahead of Bangladesh, but for how long?

9 pages, published in Issue 209, August 2021   Report price: Euro 305.00; US$ 400.00

In 2020 Vietnam became the world's second largest apparel exporter for the first time ever—ahead of Bangladesh. Prior to 2020, Bangladesh had been the second largest apparel exporter for five years. Nonetheless, Vietnam's lead over Bangladesh in 2020 was slim, and apparel exports from both countries were dwarfed by those from China. Furthermore, they fell in 2020 although exports from Vietnam fell at only half the pace of those from Bangladesh. In this editorial, Robin Anson examines the factors behind the success of Vietnamese apparel exporters—including significant investment in the industry by investors in other countries, notably China. But he highlights some warning signs, including supply constraints stemming from factory shutdowns imposed in order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, he examines some of the reasons why Bangladesh fell behind Vietnam in its export performance. There are, however, some glimmers of hope—not least the signing of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry (the International Accord). This will continue the work of the original Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (the Accord)which was signed in May 2013 in the immediate aftermath of the collapse of Rana Plaza. Furthermore, it represents an improvement because, as its name implies, it is international and signatories will commit to extending the efforts of the Accord to at least one other country within the first two years. Moreover, it covers general health and safety rather than fire and building safety alone and it will address due diligence in relation to human rights because the question of liability in this respect is a growing concern for businesses as supply chain legislation in the EU and elsewhere is introduced and strengthened.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (209) now	Subscribe

Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of expert comment and analysis. A subscription provides an overview of the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. It is essential reading for senior executives in the fibre, textile and apparel industries ? and for anyone who is not involved in the industry, but needs to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues.
Reports in Textile Outlook International include:
	country profiles ? providing a comprehensive guide to the textile and clothing industries in a range of countries and regions. The reports include an economic and political profile together with a comprehensive overview of the main issues, plus an outlook for the future.
	company profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others. Companies profiled recently include retailers, manufacturers, innovators and sourcing companies involved in textiles and apparel as well as smaller companies which illustrate the opportunities for firms which are interested in selected sourcing locations.
	trends in world textile and apparel trade and production ? taking into account current issues facing the industry ? such as global fibre prices; competition from China and other low cost countries; the elimination of quotas and imposition of selective new ones; relocation of production operations; the impact of economic factors affecting trade; international trade agreements; trade promotion agreements (TPAs); and much more.
	trends in EU and US imports of textiles and clothing ? providing comprehensive statistical data and analysis of the top ten supplying countries to the EU and US markets. These reports are updated each year and contain value and volume data as well as average prices and analyses of trends for up to 15 product categories.
	innovations, technological developments, business development opportunities, individual sector analysis and political implications which affect players in the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. Some of the topics which have been covered in recent reports include: new innovations in the textile and clothing industry, such as environmentally friendly textiles, plant based fibres, and developments in textile colorants; innovations in textile machinery; and overviews of the European swimwear, hosiery and lingerie markets.
So whether you are involved in fibres, textiles or clothing ? in manufacturing, spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, import/export, retailing ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance, a subscription to Textile Outlook International will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Textile Outlook International is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 6 printed publications a year, containing a total of 30 reports plus editorials written by Robin Anson, our editorial director and in-house industry expert.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility.