Impact of clothing imports on production and employment in Argentina (1990-2015):
deindustrialisation or informalisation?
Abstract
This article examines the effects of the continuous growth of clothing imports on production and employment in Argentina from 1990 to 2015. Here I contest the idea that more imports mean employment destruction. On the one hand, the relationship between these variables is complex and requires the joint analysis of other variables –most notably the dynamics of consumption. On the other hand, the effect of garment imports has not only been quantitative (less employment), but it has also –and rather– been qualitative (employment in worse conditions). In facing bursting imports since 1990, local employers shifted to fashionwear production, shutting down their factories and subcontracting to ‘local sweatshops’ where migrants are subjected to practices of forced labour.
Keywords: deindustrialization, foreign trade, labour market, clothing industry, subcontracting
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