The global garment supply chain scenario seems to be changing considerably with emerging retail markets, notably India and China, changing from export countries to consuming countries, according to Don Baum, Senior Vice President of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Speaking at the Istanbul Fashion Apparel Conference held in May 2011, Mr. Baum explained that the changing status of emerging markets has made up for a shortfall in garment orders from Europe and the US in recent years.
The trend of labour rates going up around the world coupled with the reduced appetite for garment manufacturing jobs in China is expected to bring some production back to Europe. The two countries that are most likely to benefit out of this are Turkey and Italy.
Another trend that could affect the garment industry is the 10-20 percent rise in prices of garments of most brands. It is yet to be ascertained as to how the consumers will respond to the increase in prices.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India