The role of sourcing agents in global apparel supply chains: an exploratory study

Abstract

Global apparel supply chains require collaboration from many sectors, including consumers, retail firms, manufacturing firms and factories. The role of sourcing agents as a facilitating sector of global apparel supply chains was explored as part of this study. A quantitative analysis of import data from the U.S. Department of Commerce for four apparel categories revealed changes in import volume over the last 10 years for all major trade regions of the world. Qualitative data was also collected to further analyze how industry professionals perceive the role of sourcing agents in facilitating apparel production movement. Participants revealed that sourcing agents breakdown cultural and geographic barriers between U.S. firms and off shore factories, providing a competitive advantage to U.S. apparel firms by reducing production cost and facilitating production of complex designs, but lack any form of formal regulation.