Additional background reading: China’s U.S. Exports See Biggest Drop in 30 Years (Source: Sourcing Journal| January 19, 2024)
Discussion questions:
#1 What makes China a controversial apparel-sourcing destination with heated debate? What are the benefits of sourcing from China, and what are the concerns?
#2 As noted in the background reading, China accounted for about 21% of US apparel imports 2023, which marked a new record low in the past decade. What are the key drivers behind this shift, and do you anticipate this trend to continue in the next 3-5 years? Why or why not?
#3 Should US fashion companies decouple or derisk with China and to what extent? Please provide reasoning for your recommendation.
#4 Why do you think the US textile industry cares about apparel imports from China? What factual data/statistics supports or challenges the comments in the second video?
#5 Feel free to share any other reflections on the two videos (e.g., anything you find interesting, surprising or thought-provoking).
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 