Conflict in Middle East halts South Asian clothing exports
Middle East flight cuts have stranded garment shipments from South Asia. Retailers face higher costs as airlines suspend operations due to regional conflict.
Shipments of apparel destined for major global retailers, including Zara parent INDITEX-UNSPON ADR, are currently stranded at airports across Bangladesh and India. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has forced major airlines to suspend flights, disrupting the critical supply chain that feeds the global fast-fashion industry. South Asia, a primary manufacturing hub, relies heavily on transit through the Gulf to deliver goods to Western markets.
Manufacturers in Pakistan and neighboring nations are reporting significant logistical hurdles. Shovon Islam, managing director of the Sparrow Group, confirmed that apparel consignments intended for the United Kingdom and clients such as Marks and Spencer Group plc, NEXT plc, and Primark are currently immobile.
