The ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a new kind of disruption in the global apparel industry. It is not only a geopolitical crisis. It is now a material crisis. Polyester, the world’s most widely used fiber, is at the center of this shock.
From yarn markets in India to garment factories in Bangladesh and retail stores in Europe and the US, the impact is already visible. According to Wood Mackenzie, prolonged energy instability is now directly translating into higher textile costs and delayed supply chains.
Polyester accounts for nearly 59 percent of global fiber production. It is derived from petrochemicals, mainly PTA and MEG. These inputs are closely linked to crude oil supply.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 21 percent of global petroleum flows, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Any disruption in this route immediately tightens feedstock supply and pushes up prices.
South Asia’s key textile clusters are now facing both cost inflation and operational stress. Industry sources report that daily fabric output has dropped from around 10,000 meters to nearly 3,500 meters in several units. Around half of the looms are currently inactive.
The crisis is not limited to raw materials. According to local industry associations, LPG shortages have disrupted worker availability. Migrant labor is leaving industrial zones due to rising living costs and energy shortages.
Global fashion retailers are beginning to feel the pressure. While some brands are temporarily shielded, the cost wave is expected to reach consumers soon. According to Wood Mackenzie, retailers may face demand contraction if price increases continue.
The footwear sector is also exposed. According to McKinsey’s analysis, about 70 percent of sneaker materials are oil-based. This includes EVA foam, synthetic rubber, and adhesives. Analysts estimate a 1.5 percent to 3 percent increase in retail prices by late summer.
Shipping routes are also under strain. According to Drewry, rerouting cargo around the Cape of Good Hope is adding 20 to 25 days to delivery timelines. This directly challenges the speed-driven model of fast fashion.
Recycled polyester currently accounts for only about 12 percent of total polyester production. This limits the industry’s ability to absorb shocks through circular alternatives.
The era of ultra-low-cost synthetic fashion is now under pressure. The polyester shock may redefine how the industry prices, produces, and consumes fashion in the coming years.
Source: https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/