"IAF urges fair sourcing in times of shock", 17 March 2026

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A new position statement from the International Apparel Federation (IAF) warns that hostilities in the Gulf region – including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – are already pushing up input costs and deepening uncertainty for brands, retailers and suppliers.

...the IAF also notes that...apparel has little influence over such geopolitical shocks, arguing instead that the sector can still choose how it responds to them.

...the federation criticises the “first reflex” of some buyers to push costs and risks upstream onto suppliers when disruption hits. It warns that manufacturers’ ability to absorb rising costs is “not limitless” and that stripping out suppliers’ margins may deliver short‑term gains for buyers but will ultimately weaken the industry...

Instead, the federation calls for deeper collaboration and “responsible purchasing practices” as the foundation of a stronger, more efficient supply chain that wastes less capital, material and human resources.