Unraveling the effects of COVID-19 on the textile industry in South Asia region: a comparative study of major players

Abstract

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions to global industries, with the textile sector in South Asia being particularly hard hit. While previous studies have focused on the performance of textile sectors in individual countries, there is a gap in the literature on the comparative impact of the pandemic on the textile industry in South Asian nations. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the performance of the textile sector in South Asian countries and identifying best practices for overcoming the pandemic’s adverse effects.Design/methodology/approachUsing a comparative approach, this study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the textile sector in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.FindingsOur findings reveal that COVID-19 significantly negatively impacts the textile industry in Pakistan and India. However, Bangladesh has shown effective practices to support the textile industry and mitigate the pandemic’s adverse effects.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study hold considerable implications for legislators, leaders, investors and supply chain management professionals operating within the South Asian textile sector. This research has the potential to inform policymakers in formulating strategies to facilitate the textile sector’s resilience during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper provides significant theoretical additions to the current body of literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the textile sector in South Asia. The research uses the global value chain (GVC) theory as a theoretical framework to enhance understanding of the impact of global supply chains and interdependencies on the textile sector in the region.