Supply Chain Research

Uniqlo-owner Fast Retailing’s exit from manufacturing in Myanmar is reportedly due to elevated political risks. Myanmar’s share of apparel imports to the EU, Japan and the US has stalled at 2.1% following the 2021 coup d’etat. Alternative supplier locations, which include: similar or larger apparel export sectors; somewhat lower strategic risk ratings; and low manufacturing compensation costs. Candidates therefore include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia and Pakistan. The largest apparel importers to the US from Myanmar include adidas AG and H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, though Myanmar is only...