Primary links
The phase-out of international textile and apparel quotas at the beginning of 2005 has had a major impact on the apparel industry. The following resources analyze the impacts of the MFA phase-out on workers in the apparel industry.
In the Summer of 2008, the Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) carried out interviews with apparel companies about changes in their sourcing practices since the demise of the import quota system at the end of 2004, as well as possible changes in the next five-year period. Interviewees were also asked what changes in production practices and/or government policy would encourage them to maintain or increase orders to Central America and/or Mexico.
Collected by MSN, this presentation shows statistics that highlight the decline of Mexico's garment industry since the end of the Multi-fiber Arrangement.
(March 2007) Although price remains the main factor in sourcing decisions, brands are also concerned with guaranteeing that their products reach stores at the right time. According to brand representatives, instability in different countries also motivates brands to keep work in different countries located in different regions. For brands selling in the US market, it is quite likely that their strategies first divide suppliers into two big categories: Asia/Americas.
A brief look at the future of the garment industry in post-quota Mexico based on the findings of a one-day conference entitled, "What lies ahead for the Mexican garment and textile industry?"
This series of five fact sheets explains the MFA phase-out, defines terms related to the MFA and trade, outlines a proposed action program, looks to Cambodia as a case study, and asks what CAFTA means for the Central American garment industry.
(2004) Sixty-two page report by AccountAbility examining the predicted impacts of the end of quotas and policy options for different actors, and offering an assessment of predicted consequences in 10 developing countries. View Report.
The MFA Forum's Collaborative Framework for Guiding Post-MFA Actions identifies the roles and responsibilities of companies, governments, international institutions and trade unions and NGOs during the post-quota period.
Speakers, agendas, resources, and participants from the public forum on the impacts of the garment and textile import quota phase-out. View Article.
Program, participants, presentations and materials from the NGO forum on the impacts of the garment and textile import quota phase-out in Mexico, Central American and the Caribbean. View Article
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