Barber, Catherine

The global trade in second-hand clothing (SHC) is worth more than $1 billion each year. Supporters of the SHC industry point out that the trade creates employment in the receiving countries (transporting, cleaning, repairing, restyling, etc.). It also provides low-cost clothing for people living in poverty. At the same time, however, there are concerns that […]

Exports of textiles and clothing are a vital source of employment and income for developing countries. Under the Multifibre Arrangement, rich countries used quotas to restrict entry of these goods to their markets. Quotas are now being lifted, but protectionist barriers remain, and more may be erected. The abrupt lifting of quotas has also left […]