According to provisional figures for the year 2020 of the European Union, the volume of clothing imports decreased by 15.6%. This decline affects both flows from Asia (-12 %) and Mediterranean countries (-12.9%). Contrary to some forecasts, China's trend of steady decline in clothing exports may well be reversed in 2020 (cf.Textile Sourcing 2020: at the heart of coronavirus turmoil).

TheProximity sourcingshows its main decline in 2020, with orders, including restocks, being put on hold following the closures of businesses in Europe. ExportsMoroccoto Europe fell by 23.5%,Tunisiarecorded a decrease of 16.8%, while theTurkeylimited its fall to 8.7%.

But paradoxically, these countries should take advantage of the consequences of the crisis in the coming seasons. Due to delays in deliveries from Asia, distributors want to be more agile, respond better to changing demand and reduce lead times, and will therefore be more interested in local sourcing.

Thus, 46% of the panel wants to strengthen its orders in Morocco, 28% in Tunisia and 40% in Turkey. The countries that suffered the most in 2020 would be main beneficiaries new sourcing aspirations of brands.On the other hand, over half of the distributors interviewed last December wanted to reduce orders placed in China, compared with 39% for Bangladesh and 22% for Vietnam.

The Made in Europe and Made in France It could also benefit from this effect, with 40% of companies wishing to accelerate their orders in Portugal and as many companies intending to strengthen orders in France.

The crisis would also accelerate two other trends:

1. The decline in long-term orders (increased more than 6 months before delivery) to the short term and especially the medium term (3 to 6 months before the season);
2. The reduction of quantities ordered That goes hand in hand.

This dual approach not only makes it possible to adapt better to fluctuations in consumption through increased responsiveness, but also addresses the question of eco-responsibility and avoids overabundance of stocks and waste of resources.

Finally, this evolution of sourcing sources is reinforced by a stronger commitment by brands and distributors to the eradication of the child labour and forced labour, the detection of risks to the health of workers, the fight against discrimination in all its forms and the achievement of decent pay. But also, in environmental matters, with a strong concern to reduce their footprint on the environment and biodiversity: choice of labeled sustainable materials, recycled materials, abandonment of controversial materials, etc.

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