Textile and Apparel Industries

Explore the Production and Export Strategies of Garments “Made in Ireland”

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Abstract

Given the heated academic and policy debate regarding the fate of garment manufacturing in a high-wage developed economy, this study explored the production and export strategies of apparel “Made in Ireland.” The statistical analysis based on thousands of disaggregated product data shows that Ireland’s apparel manufacturing sector survived the market competition by leveraging non-price competing factors, such as distinct product assortment, cultural heritage, history, and traditional craftsmanship. The findings challenge the conclusions of the classic trade and economic development theories regarding the trajectory of the garment manufacturing sector and call for a rethink about the strategies for expanding garment manufacturing in a high-wage developed country in today’s global economy.

Keywords: Made in Ireland, garment manufacturing, developed economy, craftsmanship

How to Cite:

Keegan, M. & Lu, S., (2022) “Explore the Production and Export Strategies of Garments “Made in Ireland””, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15751