U.S. Connection
The textile industry is prominent in many Western countries. Many companies that are ubiquitous to western culture, such as Nike, H&M, Walmart, and The Gap utilize these factories. Goods can be made cheaply and efficiently, which increases profit margins. The garment industry accounts for over 20 billion dollars in exports in Bangladesh. The primary reason many companies desire goods exported from Bangladesh is because of their ability to create relatively good quality clothes for dirt cheap prices. Many of the workers are adept at sewing and producing goods at a quick rate. This works well for companies who wish to export as cheaply as possible. Thus, making their margins skyrocket.
In the past decade, the wages and production cost have dramatically increased in China, which resulted in many western companies changing their manufacturing sites to countries in South East Asia, most specifically Bangladesh. This shift has resulted in an 18 billion dollar manufacturing industry. The pressure has been increased in recent decades, since inexpensive fast fashion stores have been increasing in the U.S. These corporations are faced with the responsibility with keeping up with the demand, as well as the cheap prices, so potential customers won't complain about price increases.
The following pictures show a typical t-shirt from a fast fashion store, such as Old Navy, selling their shirt for 16 dollars. On the contrary, a shirt sold at American Apparel sells for 78 dollars. The Old Navy shirt was made in Bangladesh while the American Apparel was made in the United States.
In the past decade, the wages and production cost have dramatically increased in China, which resulted in many western companies changing their manufacturing sites to countries in South East Asia, most specifically Bangladesh. This shift has resulted in an 18 billion dollar manufacturing industry. The pressure has been increased in recent decades, since inexpensive fast fashion stores have been increasing in the U.S. These corporations are faced with the responsibility with keeping up with the demand, as well as the cheap prices, so potential customers won't complain about price increases.
The following pictures show a typical t-shirt from a fast fashion store, such as Old Navy, selling their shirt for 16 dollars. On the contrary, a shirt sold at American Apparel sells for 78 dollars. The Old Navy shirt was made in Bangladesh while the American Apparel was made in the United States.