Author:
Das Sudipta,Hasan Md Rokibul,Das Debanjan
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to measure the competitiveness of top apparel exporting nations competing with China in different apparel product categories across the global environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Compound annual growth rate, trade competitiveness, market share percentages, revealed comparative advantage and its variant normalized revealed comparative advantage using two-, four- and six-digit harmonized system codes for the period of 2016–2021 were used to understand the comparative advantage of competing apparel exporting nations.
Findings
The findings revealed that China still holds a more decisive comparative advantage than its competitors over the majority of the product categories within the knitted or not knitted apparel and clothing accessories. The other competing nations hold better export competitiveness over China in specific categories. However, that is not sufficient to be the “Next China.”
Research limitations/implications
The study has important implications for different stakeholders of the global apparel industry, such as governments, industry officials, policymakers, investors, researchers and students. The study’s limitations arise from using product categories as competitiveness indicators, notably relying on a macro level approach for measurement while the micro level perspective is not analyzed, which constitutes a significant limitation of the study.
Originality/value
This research thoroughly analyzes the competitive position of the top ten apparel-exporting countries in the global market.
Subject
General Business, Management and Accounting,Business and International Management
Reference53 articles.
1. Trade creation or trade diversion in ASEAN and ASEAN+6 s: trade indicators approach;Journal of Economics and Development,2015
2. Why does foreign direct investment go where it goes?: new evidence from African countries;Annals of Economics and Finance,2012
3. Apparel Resources (2018), “8 Reasons to invest in Bangladesh apparel industry”, Apparel Resources, 17 April, available at: https://apparelresources.com/business-news/sourcing/8-reasons-invest-bangladesh-apparel-industry/ (accessed 12 June 2023).
4. Asia Garment Hub (2022), “People's republic of China”, ASIA GARMENT HUB, available at: https://asiagarmenthub.net/agh-countries/china (accessed 29 December 2022).
5. Trade liberalisation and 'revealed' comparative advantage;The Manchester School,1965