**Fashion supply chains under the spotlight**.
A wave of protests in Bangladesh is putting fashion supply chains under the spotlight and could potentially lead to higher clothing prices for consumers..
**Rising wages in Bangladesh**.
Garment workers in Bangladesh, who make clothes for many of the world’s largest fashion brands, have been demanding higher wages for months. In December, the government announced that it would raise the minimum wage for garment workers by 20%, from 8,000 taka (US$96) to 10,000 taka (US$120) per month. This is the biggest increase in the minimum wage in Bangladesh’s history..
**Why are wages rising?**.
There are a number of reasons why wages are rising in Bangladesh. One reason is that the country’s economy is growing rapidly. In recent years, Bangladesh has become a major exporter of clothing, and the garment industry is now the country’s largest industry. This has led to a demand for more workers, and wages have gone up as a result..
Another reason for the wage increase is the rising cost of living in Bangladesh. In recent years, the prices of food and other essential goods have gone up, and this has made it more difficult for garment workers to make ends meet. The government has raised the minimum wage in an attempt to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living..
**What does this mean for consumers?**.
The wage increase in Bangladesh is likely to lead to higher clothing prices for consumers. Fashion brands will have to pay more for the clothes that they produce in Bangladesh, and they will likely pass these costs on to consumers..
**How much will prices go up?**.
It is difficult to say exactly how much clothing prices will go up as a result of the wage increase in Bangladesh. However, some experts believe that prices could rise by as much as 5%..
**What can consumers do?**.
Consumers who are concerned about the rising cost of clothing can do a number of things to save money. One option is to buy clothes from brands that are committed to paying their workers a living wage. Another option is to buy clothes from second-hand stores or thrift shops. Consumers can also try to mend or repair their clothes instead of throwing them away..
**Conclusion**.
The wage increase in Bangladesh is a sign that the country’s economy is growing. However, it is also likely to lead to higher clothing prices for consumers. Consumers who are concerned about the rising cost of clothing can do a number of things to save money, such as buying clothes from brands that pay their workers a living wage or buying clothes from second-hand stores or thrift shops..
