Discussion questions:
#1 How are textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” changing their faces? What are the driving forces of these changes?
#2 How would you assess Asia’s competitiveness as a hub for textile and apparel production and sourcing in the next five years? Why? What relevant factors could come into play?
#3 Is there anything else in the videos that you find interesting, intriguing, thought-provoking, or debatable? Why?
(Note: Anyone is welcome to join the discussion. For students in FASH455, please address at least two of the questions above. Please mention the question number in your response, but there is no need to repeat the question.)
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 
1. The textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” are changing their faces because young people simply do not want to work a factory job in this day and age. As clearly listed in the video, the driving forces behind these changes are social media usage, demographic shifts, and the big services sector. In my opinion, I believe that the most prominent factor behind this change is definitely media usage. With the rise of social media influencing and online work (ex. Uber driving), it is more appealing to young adults than working a factory job because it has more flexibility and improvements for quality of life. Additionally, I feel as though factory working jobs have a bad reputation in general, which makes it even less appealing to the younger generation if they believe they can find better work elsewhere. The video also mentions how this generation is having children way later than years before, which means young adults do not have a family to provide for, so there’s no true point in getting a job right away.
3. I would say that Asia’s competitiveness as a textile and apparel production and sourcing hub within the next few years would evolve into more than just an average factory job. As stated in the video, Asia is doing everything it can to make factory jobs more appealing to young adults by increasing wages, subsidizing schools, training programs, and cheaper food. As stated in my previous response, however, I feel as though factory working jobs have a bad reputation in general, so I am not sure these tactics to make the job more appealing will work very well to the younger generation, but it is a great effort regardless. However, this would mean that clothing prices would increase significantly in order to fuel the factory workers. That being said, some factory owners are attempting to shift to technology to take the place of the workers, however, there are still several jobs that need to be done manually by a human.
#1 How are textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” changing their faces? What are the driving forces of these changes?
Textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” are changing their faces because they are struggling to find young workers, and without these young workers, prices for consumers will increase. Young workers are not accepting these jobs because they are much more difficult than other jobs available in the market, and young workers used to accept these jobs because they didn’t have as many job opportunities. Because of newer innovations in the job market, workers do not want to be bossed around in these factories if they do not have to. To attempt to attract more young workers in factories, wages are being increased and benefits are being included with these jobs. They are making these factories more upscale. They are encouraging these younger workers to post on social media and promote these factories. Another way “Made in Asia” are changing their faces is in the past products that were produced in Asia had the association that they were cheap and disposable; however, in recent years, products made in Asia have become more upscale and do not hold that connotation as much. This is because their production and manufacturing has become more developed in these regions.
#3 How would you assess Asia’s competitiveness as a hub for textile and apparel production and sourcing in the next five years? Why? What relevant factors could come into play?
I believe Asia’s competitiveness as a textile apparel production and sourcing hub in the next five years will increase. I believe brands will be attracted to these factories’ social compliance and factory conditions but will be less attracted to their higher wages. However, these corporations also do not have much choice with factories for lower wages because a lot of production has shifted to Asia from places like South America and other regions and has forced them to rely on Asia. They will be more competitive because of the use of more automation as well, because companies desire factories that will be able to produce products quickly and have a high turnover rate with production, so these new technologies will be attractive for Asia.
#1 and #3
Textiles and apparel that are “Made in Asia” are changing their faces. This is due to the lack of labor. Without the labor that is needed, consumer prices on goods will be increased because production time will be at a slower rate. Young workers are not interested in the availability of these jobs because there are more job opportunities that do not require as much labor and these young workers care more about their quality of life. In order to fill these positions, factories are trying to create more incentives like increased wages and benefits, training programs, and renovating the facility. They are using more technological advances to these facilities and are using the ability of social media to entice young people looking for work. Asia’s competitiveness as a textile and apparel production/sourcing will continue to increase. Making changes to facilities in order to increase labor, has increased competition amongst different supply chains in Asia. Brands will be attracted to a more ethically run factory but might not want to indulge in the labor costs. Having free trade agreements will decrease the cost of trade in Asia leaving the brand the leeway to indulge in better labor. Competition will rise also due to the need for technology. The goal is produce goods at the most efficient rate and remain quality. Having technological machinery will turn over products quickly with no indication of errors. For example, as shown in the video Tawain’s machinery is extremely advanced which gives them an advantage against their competitors. These factors will play a role in how companies will strategize to be successful in producing goods and able to bring in increasing revenue.
What is your view on the changing face of “made in Asia”? For example, will it continue? What is the implications of such changes?
#1 How are textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” changing their faces? What are the driving forces of these changes?
Textile and apparel manufacturers in Asia are changing their faces by adopting a more “Western” style of doing business and interacting with their workers. While the sweatshop has been the typical image of garment labor in Asia, it seems as though this is changing rapidly. Yoga and dance classes, cheap food to purchase at in-factory cafeterias, investments in local schools, etc. There has been a complete 180 in the way that workers hold their work-life balance. While all of these changes are wonderful and very beneficial not just for the workers, but for the community at large, I think its important to note that they are not being made out of any benevolent gestures from the hearts of company CEOs. As stated in the first video, China and Vietnam in particular are facing a mass shortage of young workers as infrastructure and educational opportunities have increased. To put it simply, young people simply lack the desire to work in dingy factories for little pay and long hours simply because their parents did as well. I certainly do not blame them as no one wishes to be exploited. I’m glad that these changes are finally being made after so many years of unsafe working conditions.
#2 Should US fashion brands and retailers de-couple with China or prepare to do so? What is your valuation?
I believe that to de-couple with China entirely is a task that is nigh on impossible. China is so completely enmeshed in the fibers of the fashion industry that removing it completely is simply not feasible. However with that being said, I think its a good idea for US brands and retailers to stop rely entirely on China as their “one-stop-shop” especially with ongoing political tensions between our two countries and human rights abuses. Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Singapore are all options that have better relations with the US and have increased their production capabilities and treatment of garment workers in the past several years. There is a future for the garment industry that isn’t forced to revolve completely around China. The only thing is to convince Western apparel brands to take the leap.
#2.
Yes, I think US fashion brands and retailers should plan on de-coupling from China because of their aggressive trade practices. Although trade with China poses some benefits such as easy access to raw materials, as well as China’s infrastructure development, there are a lot of negative effects including human rights issues, the de minimis tariff, and the Section 301 tariff, which we recently talked about in class. This tariff led to 93% of US fashion companies moving sourcing orders from China to other Asian suppliers in 2021. Additionally, 56% of US companies adjusted the types of products sourced from China to mitigate the impact. Many US fashion companies are taking measures to move sourcing away from China, which I agree is a good move on their part.
#3:
China is a controversial apparel-sourcing destination because a lot of the cotton is from Xinjiang, which has flooded the global marketplace and is made with forced labor. Additionally, China’s aggressive trade practices have cost millions of American jobs; American textile plants have been forced to idle equipment by laying off workers, while some companies have been put out of business. The de Minimis system has resulted in decreased enforcement for textile imports in free trade agreement countries, where China has been able to hide some of its cotton since these packages bypass inspections, duties, and penalties. About three million packages are sent to the US each day through de Minimis and half of these packages are textile and apparel. I think the attractiveness of China as a sourcing destination will decrease for US fashion companies in the next 5 years because these unethical trade practices may make US fashion companies not want to source from China. US fashion companies who source cotton from Xinjiang may receive backlash from the public for sourcing because of forced labor malpractices.
Textile and apparel “Made in Asia” have been changing their business processes to a more Westernized approach. Due to the advancing economy, young workers are looking for more favorable places of employment than factory jobs. In the past, factory jobs were the most accessible forms of employment for young workers. Today, people can find similar paying jobs under better working conditions. This has caused a push for a change in the factory production process in Asia. Factory owners know that they are losing their young labor force to other types of employment so they have implemented things like higher wages, exercise classes and high quality food offered at work, and creating a more aesthetic environment for their workers to work in. While factories in Asia have been making moves to create a better work environment, they have also taken the lack of employees as a time to advance technology within their machines. Factories have turned to a more automative response to the lack of manual labor, this is similar to the flying geese model we went over in class because it is a great example of how Asia is becoming more of a leader as they adopt a more advanced production process.
Question #1
After watching the videos, I feel “Made in Asia” is changing their faces for a more sustainable environment. I saw this mainly due to the heavy emphasis on improved working conditions or the use of new modern technology within the factories. The video that stuck out to me most was Video 4: Vietnam Sustainable Garment Manufacturer. As I mentioned the factory shown in this video Unavailable, truly demonstrated how much they value the safety of working conditions, work-life balance, and well-being of workers. In addition to the awesome environment they have created, they also value the quality of the garments they produce, which is not always the case in Chinese factories. The videos highlighted some of the factories that are truly working to erase the negative reputation China has for manufacturing because not all factories practice unsustainable production. I feel due to this, China is changing its face in the right direction.
Question #3
I feel Asia will still remain competitive within the next five years in the textile and apparel industry for several factors. The first, and most obvious factor is cost-effectiveness. Retailers can source and produce their garments at a low rate, allowing them to profit more than they would if they produced clothing in the United States. In addition, and as illustrated in the videos, their technology is rapidly improving. China has the fastest-growing technology than any other country in terms of apparel production, making it the most efficient part of the world to produce clothing. I feel at this point in time China is the “expert” in apparel production. Thus, regardless of the negative reputation China may have I feel they will continue to be a textile hub within the next five years.
Question #1:
The textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” are changing their faces because young people are realizing they do not want to work in a factory, when they could do something that is more sustainable and gives them more of a work life balance. Some of the issues mentioned in the video about why young people don’t want factory work are the following: influence of social media, demographic shifts, and big services sector. One of the major ones is social media. Social media is definitely a big reason people are shifting from factory jobs and moving into online work. This type of career allows people to have a better lifestyle, regardless of the pay. The response from factories for the following issues include: increasing wages, subsidizing schools, training programs, and cheaper food. It is clear, in Vietnam, that they are focused on sustainability and treating their workers with respect. They not only make sure the factory conditions are above standard, they ensure they are getting the proper food and wages.
Question #4
Something I found interesting from the video, “Vietnam Sustainable Garment Manufacturer“, was their efforts to create a very sustainable environment to work in. Unavailable even houses 600 of their workers. They are a vertically integrated manufacturer who tries to do things in a more conscious manner. They look at everything, from planting the seed to when the end user gets the garment. They realize the industry has to change and they are all for it. One quote that really stood out to me was “this is journey, not a destination.” I think that is a very important quote to help change the ways of the supply chain. It is important to look at everything between the seed and the consumer: water waste, pollution, fabrics, working conditions, etc. Anything that is apart of the articles journey is important and should be done consciously.
Question 3
Asian countries are always evolving; there is always new technology and new advancement that comes out. Therefore, I think Asia will always be a big competitor, especially AI come into play. With the use of AI, Asia can increase efficiency , increase sustainability and allow for greater customization. One country I would specifically like to point out is Taiwan. Taiwan has seen many technological advancements that puts them as a leader for the future of the industry. Taiwan has one of world’s top 3 circular knitting machine that allows for 120 new techniques. Due to having such advanced knitting machines they are able to manufacture one-step socks. Another advancement Taiwan has seen is an automated dyeing process. This process saves up to 70% of water; not only is Taiwan able to produce garments more efficiently, but they are doing so in a sustainable way. This makes Taiwan a very attractive places for fashion companies to turn to for manufacturing. Secondly, I would like to highlight Vietnam’s factories. Vietnam factories have invested in compliance and environmental measures, and energy efficiency. As the call for sustainability rises, it is important that fashion companies source from factories that are practicing ethically. I think these new measures makes Vietnam very attractive to retailers.
Question 4
One of the videos that I found to be very interesting is how Asian factories are struggling to keep young workers. I feel like we, or at least I have, such a construed concept of how the factories in Asia operate. I have always thought that the factories workers in Asia were always underpaid and working in bad conditions. However, after listening to the interview and watching the video, I see a different side of Asia that is not often shown. Young factory workers in Asia are refusing to take low-paying jobs in factories and turning to other jobs for an income. In return, factories have made an effort to improve their work life but starting yoga and dance classes as well as serving tea and making the factories more modern. I feel like this is something that is not often shown in the media, so I found it very interesting when I first heard it. Although it is not the same for all factories in Asia, and can vary from country to country, it is refreshing to see that owners are trying to make changes and make working in factories a better environment.
#3 Asia has always been a competitive force for trading, making up 55% of all textile and apparel production globally. In a few of the videos, we can see how countries like Taiwan and Pakistan have shifted towards major technological advances in their textile industry. Pakistan has one of the largest denim recycling factory in the world and Taiwan is dominating in advanced textile machinery. Even Vietnam, an apparel sourcing country for a long time, is advancing into diversified products of good quality, on a mass scale. As apparel sourcing countries in Asia progress towards higher wages, better conditions, and high quality products, sourcing has and will become more expensive in the region. U.S. and western brands who source there will be faced with a choice of quality over price. I think this is a very beneficial thing, as more expensive clothing means better quality, a longer lifespan, and better conditions for those producing it. However, this will also cause a shift in trading patterns, as some brands prefer to source cheaper quality clothing for a better price. These brands may choose other regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America to maintain their price point for customers.
#4 One video I found particularly interesting is how Asian countries are struggling to fill factory jobs with young people. This makes sense, but is a phenomenon I hadn’t considered that will greatly effect Asia’s competitiveness in upcoming years. In some ways, it’s a positive that younger generations feel they have more choice in their career path and this is pushing factories in Asian countries to foster better working conditions, better pay, and job perks to incentivize this new generation. As the conditions in many apparel factories became very clear to the public in 2020, factories now have to do the work to recruit as the job is not a necessity in many progressing countries. I will be interested to see if these tactics work on young people or if countries will still struggle to fill factories, and possibly lose competitiveness in the trade market.
#1 and #3
The textile and apparel industry in Asia is changing with more automation and sustainability efforts. In China, factories are shifting to robotics and AI-driven production. This makes manufacturing faster and less reliant on workers. This helps offset rising labor costs and keeps China competitive in global trade. Meanwhile, Pakistan is tackling waste by recycling millions of old jeans into new ones, reducing landfill waste, and promoting circular fashion. These changes are driven by increasing wages, technological advancements, and the push for more eco-friendly practices. Consumers today care more about sustainability, which forces companies to rethink production. At the same time, automation helps maintain efficiency as labor costs rise. While these changes are positive, they also raise questions about job losses in manufacturing and whether sustainability efforts can keep up with fashion’s rapid production cycles. The denim recycling process in Pakistan stood out the most. It’s fascinating how millions of jeans can be broken down and remade, but it also makes me wonder if recycling alone is enough to fix the industry’s waste problem. While this method keeps old clothes out of landfills, fast fashion still encourages overproduction. This means the cycle of waste continues. It also made me think about whether this type of large-scale recycling can expand beyond denim to other types of clothing. Even with these advancements, the fashion industry still has a long way to go in making real sustainable changes.
#1- When seeing a tag that said “Made in Asia”, consumers could assume that this product was going to be cheaply made and low quality, but sold at a really low price. As of recently, Asia has been becoming more developed overtime, while they have been improving their manufacturing abilities to be better quality. They’re “changing their faces” because they’re starting to run into the issue that they can’t find any young workers who want to work in their factories. Due to these factories being very high labor jobs that are very time consuming, younger generations are looking for jobs that have a better work environment and work-life-balance, and they are able to do this because they have access to better education that previous generations didn’t have. Even if a job that is online, is lower pay than a factory job, younger workers are more likely to want to work these jobs due to the better quality of life that they get out of it. So, factory managers are trying to figure out ways to change and become more appealing to younger workers.
#3- Something that I found interesting and thought-provoking in video number 2, was that they talked about how companies that are importing from other countries could potentially want to turn to other countries for their manufacturing needs that pay their workers lower wages, to not be affected by increasing prices at previous manufacturing facilities. But, as stated in the interview, they talk about how that has always been the case- companies moving to different, cheaper manufacturers, but now factory owners are saying that they don’t know where else to go to because there are not many countries anymore that are stable and have young workers with large, trained labor pools that are wanting to work these factory jobs. I think it will be interesting to see where these factories end up turning to if prices continue to increase.
2. I think Asia is becoming a much more competitive hub because of its rapid growth. Strategies such as the Flying Geese Model allow for internal growth and strong support of partnered countries. I think what makes this super unique is the Flying Geese model prioritizes all parties involved, ultimately working as a mutually beneficial partnership. Another indicator of Asia’s proliferated production and sourcing industries would be the development seen within Vietnam in the past 20 years. Previously, Vietnam was recognized as a developing country however more recent development has highlighted Vietnam is progressing beyond its previous industrial limitations. Vietnam is now the second largest apparel exporter in the world. This has allowed Vietnam to advance their internal factory models, prioritizing the development of labor skills and the prioritization of employee retention. Changes like these reflect a broader shift toward industrialization and optimization within the workplace via strategic growth.
3. The second video discusses how young employees are less interested in working in factories. I am very interested in this topic because of the various implications this shift carries. The initial effect would be that factory prices may increase due to wage increases or lack of employees. On the other hand, I think this trend in young adults reflects the growth of developing Asian countries. 20 years ago, young adults had very limited career choices because of their countries’ positioning. What was formerly a labor dominant area has outgrown its positioning and is growing more toward a diversified economy with expanding opportunities. In the United States, we have the ability to choose any career we would like. To see this as a new turning point for Asian countries is fascinating as it highlights how economic prosperity allows individuals to have more liberty with their lifestyle. Now, young adults are given the choice of taking a career that may pay less but be more fulfilling.
#2 Over the years, Asia has significantly become more established and efficient as a hub for textile and apparel production. Something that makes these countries stand apart from their competition is their low labor costs, which attract businesses looking for high-volume orders and fast production. However, Asian factories in countries like Bangladesh have been known for poor labor conditions, so this could be an issue that factories might face. However, these issues create an opportunity for factories to invest in cleaner manufacturing and improve worker conditions to make them a well-rounded sourcing destination. I believe that Asia’s success will be determined on how well they can adapt to new standards for sustainability, trade tensions with the US, etc.
#3 I found it very interesting how factories in China are now attending to Gen Z’s needs when it comes to conditions for factory workers. I was surprised to learn that factories are now investing in yoga classes, dance classes, cafes, etc. It does give me hope that these jobs are changing the narrative of what they have known to be, and hopefully, workers will continue to fight for what they deserve.
#1
Textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” are going through changes as they shift from traditional and labor intensive to more diversified and automated. Based on the videos, major driving forces are labor shortages and generational shifts. Video 2 from CBS highlights that there are growing labor issues across Asia, especially in Bangladesh and Cambodia. Younger generations are moving away from factory jobs due to poor conditions. This shows a demographic shift where younger generations are valuing job satisfaction. Another key driving force is automation and technology. Video 1 highlights how China’s textile industry is embracing technology and smart manufacturing. Factories are beginning to adopt AI and robotics to increase efficiency.
#2
Asia’s competitiveness as a hub for textile and apparel production and sourcing is likely to remain quite strong over the next five years. Based on the videos, one reason/factor that played into this conclusion is the region’s technical advances. China is pushing toward automation and believes that high-tech manufacturing will help them to maintain leadership and efficiency. Smart factories can help to lower labor costs along with labor shortages. Another factor is efforts toward sustainability. Video 3 focuses on Pakistan’s efforts to produce more sustainable denim through a circular practice. This can help to differentiate Asian suppliers from competitors in other regions. It draws in more consumers who are eco-friendly and conscious. I believe due to these reasons, Asia can remain dominant and hold a competitive edge on adaptation.
#1: Videos 11-2 from the blog both support and challenge the conclusions of the “Flying Geese” model, which highlights the sequential shift of production from more advanced economies to less advanced economies in Asia. The video “Thread of Resilience: China Textile Manufacturing Goes Automated!” challenges this model regarding basic apparel production. According to the model, as China becomes more economically advanced, it is expected to leave labor-intensive, low-cost manufacturing to tiers and developed nations below in the “formation.” However, as shown in the video, China’s integration of automation, such as digital cutting machines, enhances China’s competitiveness and advances its manufacturing techniques. Following the linear model assumptions, China should shift its manufacturing production to the following country as it becomes more developed. However, technological innovation challenges the linear pathway of this model. It can disrupt the expected manufacturing pattern by increasing their global competitiveness even as the workforce shrinks and wages rise. In addition, the video “Asian Factories Struggling to Keep Young Workers” challenges the model by discussing the concerns with the increasing unwillingness of younger generations to work in factories because of the influence of social media, demographic shifts (better education, having children later), significant services sectors, and online work (do not have a boss). The video discusses how, traditionally, these manufacturers rely on young workers but are concerned they are not getting it and have to find new strategies to entice workers. Pay is increasing in Vietnam and China factories to attract workers, and some factories offer perks to entice (yoga classes, workout classes, serving matcha) to make factories look hip. In the past, when things got too expensive in one country, they moved to the next. However, now it is hard because economies are unstable, younger generations are unwilling to work, and they are not trained for factory work with no decent infrastructure. This generational shift and rise of machinery and automation, social media, and online jobs disrupt the progression expected throughout the model that labor-intensive production migrates down the chain.
In addition, the video “How Millions of Jeans Get Recycled Into New Pairs” provides insights into sustainability efforts. Companies like AFM are redefining their role in the global supply chain. The model overlooks the increasingly essential factors of recycling and sustainability in global sourcing. This challenges the model by lower-tier countries adding value to circular strategies and increasing value based on innovation and sustainability. On the contrary, the video “Vietnam Becomes Second Biggest Garment Exporter Globally” clearly supports the model as Vietnam is enhancing labor-intensive strategies and production. The video displaces the lower wages and younger workforce that benefits Vietnam’s production as China’s labor becomes more expensive and moves up the value chain. The video discusses Vietnam’s efforts to implement policies to retain and attract new workers and ensure resources for production and growth. In addition, there is a shift from orders in Bangladesh that provide Vietnam with the opportunity to take on labor-intensive production, which supports the model.
#1
Textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” are changing their faces by implementing machinery and automated processes, as they used to be very labor intensive. A driving force of this change is their struggle to keep young workers. Young workers are rejecting factory jobs as they have a better education than previously employed generations, making their opportunities not limited. Young workers are evidently choosing not to work in factories where it is physically and mentally difficult. They are striving for a healthy work environment and work life balance. Asian factories becoming more automated is an opportunity to keep up with the industry demands while being less reliant on workers.
#2
Asia’s competitiveness as a hub for textile and apparel production and sourcing in the next five years will remain strong. A relevant factor that contributes to this conclusion is their technological advancements. Operations have been automated to combat labor shortages and remain a leading country in the supply chain as a whole. Similarly, Pakistan is utilizing machinery to create sustainable denim. However, they’re not only implementing machinery, they’re redefining the supply chain in terms of sustainability practices. Sustainability is becoming a major concern for consumers, forcing fashion companies to offer sustainable products. With more fashion companies looking to source from factories that create sustainable products, Asia will be a leading option for them and maintain their place as a strong competitor in the textile and apparel industry.
#1: Textiles and apparel “Made in Asia” are changing their faces to try and engage the younger generations as they are less likely to take jobs in garment factories. More younger individuals are wanting to go to school and get higher education to get better paying jobs rather than get a tiring job doing lots of physical labor. Due to getting more education, younger individuals are more likely to get online jobs or jobs where they can work their own hours (such as Uber). Another way the textiles and apparel industry are changing their faces is to include more sustainability as well as more mechanization. If Asia continues including more sustainable ideas and concepts into their manufacturing processes, they could be even more competitive with other countries. As for mechanization, the inclusion of robotics and automated machines allow apparel manufacturers to continue to have fast manufacturing rates even with the younger generations not taking the jobs.
#2: I think that so far Asia has high competitiveness compared to other countries due to fast production and cheaper manufacturing/labor rates. Through this Asia has developed itself into a trusted apparel production and sourcing area over the years. China especially has been the go to manufacturer for many apparel brands. Recently, brands have started to diversify their supply chains to branch out to Bangladesh and Vietnam. However, there have also been issues due to their issues with not being fully transparent and cheap labor rates. In the next five years, I think that Asia’s competitiveness will continue to grow as they are still the biggest manufacturers and sourcing spot, but I also believe that their competitiveness will be tested. As more restrictive rules are placed on workers rights, as well as the inclusion of new tariffs affecting the primary hotspots in Asia, they are likely to experience both positive and negative effects.