Stacey Frederick

Upgrading and restructuring in the global apparel value chain: why China and Asia are outperforming Mexico and Central America

This article uses the global value chain approach to analyse the upgrading trajectories of leading apparel exporters adapting to the end of textile and apparel quotas and the economic recession. These events have been coupled by the consolidation and reconfiguration of global supply chains. China has been the big winner while other Asian suppliers are expanding their roles, largely at the expense of regional suppliers. One key to Asias competitive success vis-a-vis Mexico and Central America has been end market diversification. Regional trade agreements (NAFTA; DR-CAFTA) have provided the latter with preferential access to the US market and ties to brand manufacturers, but they also created a reliance on US exports and have hindered suppliers from developing regional linkages into textile production, apparel design and branding. Growing apparel demand in emerging Asian economies and a regionally integrated production network has allowed Chinese apparel suppliers to upgrade and expand global market share.

Researching Risks of Nanomaterials in Mexico

AbstractThe aim of this article is to evaluate, using available direct and secondary data, the risks to human health and the environment within nanotechnologies research in Mexico. The argument is advanced in four sections. The first illustrates the implications of the risks posed by nanoparticles and nanomaterials to workers, consumers, and the environment. Next, to provide context, is a review of the state of nanotechnologies development in Mexico. This is followed by an outline of the methodology employed, where two protocols were used: The first entailed the creation of a database containing all articles on nanotechnologies published by Mexican authors over a 12-year period and then searching for key terms associated to the risks of nanomaterials; the second protocol involved a web-based search to identify all researchers working in this area. Finally, the results are presented with the conclusion that the subject of risks is, essentially, absent from nanotechnologies research in Mexico.

E-Commerce and Industrial Upgrading in the Chinese Apparel Value Chain

ABSTRACT The economic and social gains from electronic commerce (e-commerce) that promote innovation, industry upgrading and economic growth have been widely discussed. China’s successful experience with e-commerce has had a positive effect in transforming consumer-goods sectors of the economy and motivating economic reform. This article looks at how e-commerce reduces barriers to entry and enables firms to move up the value chain by using the global value chain framework to analyse the impact of e-commerce on the upgrading trajectories and governance structures of China’s apparel industry. For large Chinese brands, e-commerce has enabled end-market diversification. For small- and medium-sized enterprises, e-commerce has facilitated entry with functional upgrading as well as end-market upgrading. In the “two-sided markets” created by platform companies, the “engaged consumers” are the demand side of this market, and “e-commerce focused apparel firms” are the supply side of the new market. Consumers and platforms are more directly involved in value creation within this emerging internet-based structure.

Bahrain’s Position in the Global Apparel Value Chain: How the U.S.-Bahrain FTA and PTLs Shape Future Development Options

The report is based on primary data collected via fieldwork in Bahrain during September 2015, as well as secondary information sources. The authors would like to thank all the interviewees, who gave generously of their time and expertise. The views expressed in this report are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Embassy of Bahrain.