The commercial war raises concerns about the conditions of worsening of global textile workers

As tensions between the United States and China persist, NGOs warn that the growing cost pressures of brands could endanger progress gained with force to protect the rights of textile workers.

The clean clothing campaign raised this concern on April 24, marking exactly twelve years since the collapse of the frog garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The disaster charged 1,138 lives and caused a global protest on working conditions in factories that serve Western markets.

“All additional costs resulting from the US tariff policies. UU. They must be absorbed by companies that have the means to do so, instead of transmitting to the most vulnerable links in the supply chain,” said the clean clothing campaign.

The NGO, together with its French affiliate Collectif Ethique Sur L'Attete, asked companies that do not repeat the mistakes made during the pandemic, when the main clothing groups prioritized profitability by suspending payments and canceling orders without prior notice, they often leave the suppliers unable to pay their workers.

“The first signs of the old reflex to exploit the situation by reducing wages and retreating the rights of workers are already visible,” said the NGOs, citing companies such as GAP, Walmart and Levi. According to reports, these brands have begun to demand price cuts or press suppliers to absorb the total cost of tariffs.

Observers have also noticed that several governments are now openly considering minimum wages in advance of possible production relocations. The signs of tension are increasing through textile supply chains, particularly among the largest suppliers of the USA after China.

Vietnam is one of the first to feel the pressure, with His economic balance threatened For us tariffs that have not been raised but only suspended. Of India The jewelry sector also feels the impact. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, the second largest clothing supplier to Europe, FEars losing the fragile stability of your textile industry.

For their part, Sri Lanka manufacturers are talking about the Potential loss of several thousand jobs If the announced surcharges apply, while Burma is appealing to Washington's “indulgence” about Your textile production. But the effects of Donald Trump's trade war are not only concern for Asian industries: African textile producers They also fear a killing within its industry.