Khyati Sutaria
Lab Assistant
Amity University, Dubai
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused relentless severance to global textile supply chains, particularly in major processing centers like India, China, and Bangladesh. Lockdowns, labor shortages, and operational congestion led to production delays, increased costs, and an accelerated shift toward cybernated logistics network solutions. This research paper examines the effects of the pandemic on textile manufacturing in these three key countries, analyzing supply chain susceptibility, adaptive strategies, and everlasting entanglement for the industry. Additionally, this study compares the immediate impact of COVID-19 on the current state of the textile industry, highlighting recovery trends, constant challenges, and revolution in supply chain locomotion.
1. Introduction
The textile and apparel industry is a foundation of the global economy, with India, China, and Bangladesh accounting for a compelling portion of international textile exports. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caught the fragility of this interdependent supply chain. Government imposed lockdowns, factory closures, and restricted shipment interconnections disorganized manufacturing and manufacturing channels, affecting both manufacturers and consumers. This paper aims to examine the pandemic’s impact on textile supply chains in these three countries and the industry’s response to this disorderliness. Furthermore, it estimates how the industry has evolved when the outbreak is under control and whether the implemented strategies have enhanced supply chain resilience.
2. Impact of COVID-19 on Textile Hubs (Then vs. Now)
2.1 China: The Initial Disruption and Recovery
Then: China, as the world’s largest textile producer, faced the first wave of COVID-19-related shutdowns. In early 2020, cities like Wuhan, a key logistics hub, saw severe restrictions that postponed raw material dispatches globally (Shen, 2021). Textile mills in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong provinces operated at reduced capacity due to labor shortages and strict health
Regulations. The pandemic also resulted in supply bottlenecks, forcing global brands to seek alternative suppliers (Zhang & Liu, 2021).
Now: As of 2024, China’s textile industry has largely recovered, with many factories operating at full capacity. However, geopolitical tensions, higher labor costs, and an increasing focus on sustainability have led companies to explore alternatives such as Vietnam and Indonesia for production diversification (Li & Wang, 2023). Digitalization and automation have also seen significant growth, reducing dependency on manual labor.
2.2 India: Workforce and Logistics Crisis to Digital Transformation
Then: India, the second-largest textile producer, witnessed one of the most severe COVID-19 lockdowns in mid-2020. The sudden shutdown of manufacturing units in textile hubs such as Tiruppur, Surat, and Ludhiana led to massive order cancellations (Bhatia & Gupta, 2021). Additionally, the reverse migration of laborers from urban textile centers to rural areas exacerbated workforce shortages, disrupting both garment and fabric production. With port congestion and export delays, India’s textile exports declined sharply in 2020 (Mehta, 2022).
Now: India’s textile industry has rebounded, with exports surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The adoption of digital supply chain management, AI-driven production planning, and automation has improved efficiency (Singh & Verma, 2023). Additionally, there is a stronger focus on sustainable textile production, with increased government incentives for eco-friendly fabrics and reduced carbon footprints.
2.3 Bangladesh: Apparel Industry at Risk to Resilience Strategies
Then: Bangladesh, the second-largest apparel exporter after China, suffered significant disruptions as European and American retailers canceled billions of dollars’ worth of orders (Rahman & Hossain, 2021). The shutdown of garment factories in Dhaka and Chattogram led to economic distress, leaving millions of workers unemployed. Many factories had to pivot manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay operational (Khan & Alam, 2021). However, the delayed recovery and supply chain fragility impacted Bangladesh’s long-term production capacity.
Now: The Bangladesh textile industry has regained stability, with global brands reinstating contracts. However, the country continues to face challenges such as energy shortages and wage-related labor unrest. Sustainability is now a key focus, with many factories investing in green production processes to meet international regulations (Rahim, 2023).
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Exposed and Addressed
4. Adaptive Strategies and Industry Response
- Diversification of Supply Chains: Many global brands started sourcing from alternative markets like Vietnam and Turkey to reduce dependency on China.
- Digital Transformation: Companies have embraced digital tools for supply chain management, including AI-driven demand forecasting and blockchain for traceability (Singh & Verma, 2022).
- Reshoring and Nearshoring: Countries began exploring local manufacturing to mitigate future disruptions.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The crisis accelerated discussions on sustainable textile production and ethical labor practices.
5. Long-Term Implications for the Textile Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the textile supply chain landscape. While production has gradually recovered, manufacturers and brands are now more focused on resilience, automation, and sustainability. Future investments in technology and diversified sourcing strategies will determine the industry’s ability to withstand similar disruptions in the future.
6. Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted textile supply chains in India, China, and Bangladesh, exposing vulnerabilities and prompting a shift toward more resilient business models. By adopting digital solutions, diversifying suppliers, and embracing sustainable production methods, the industry can prepare for future challenges. The lessons learned from this crisis will shape the future of global textile supply chains.
References
- Bhatia, P., & Gupta, R. (2021). Impact of COVID-19 on India’s textile industry: Challenges and future outlook. Textile Journal of India, 25(3), 45-60.
- Khan, M. A., & Alam, S. (2021). The COVID-19 crisis and Bangladesh’s garment sector: Effects, responses, and future strategies. Journal of Apparel Science, 18(2), 78-95. • Li, J., & Wang, H. (2023). Post-pandemic transformations in China’s textile industry: Digitalization and supply chain diversification. Journal of Global Trade, 20(1), 34-56. • Rahim, M. (2023). Sustainability and resilience in Bangladesh’s textile industry post pandemic. Asian Textile Studies, 16(2), 67-89.
- Singh, R., & Verma, K. (2023). Technological advancements in textile supply chains: Lessons from the pandemic. Future Textiles Journal, 20(1), 98-122.
