{"id":65428,"date":"2025-06-10T23:12:54","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T04:12:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universomola.com\/?p=65428"},"modified":"2025-06-10T23:12:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T04:12:54","slug":"transparencia-en-la-cadena-de-suministro-quien-hace-nuestra-ropa-en-latinoamerica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/universomola.com\/en\/transparencia-en-la-cadena-de-suministro-quien-hace-nuestra-ropa-en-latinoamerica\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Makes Our Clothes in Latin America? Unveiling the Truth Behind the Supply Chain"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Cristina Rivas - Translated by \u00c1ngela Su\u00e1rez<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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In a world where clothing items cross continents before reaching our hands, an uncomfortable question is gaining strength: Who makes our clothes? In Latin America, this question takes on special relevance in face of the growing global pressure to know the origin of products and ensure fair working conditions throughout the supply chain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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An Industry Clothed in Inequalit<\/b><\/p>\n

Latin America is a key player in the global fashion industry. Countries like Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil host hundreds of textile factories, many focused on exports. These plants produce garments for internationally recognized brands, but behind the labels lie stark realities: low wages, long working hours, and lack of government oversight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A 2023 report by <\/span>Business & Human Rights\u00a0 Resource Centre<\/span><\/i> \"El Salvador: Women Transforming\" <\/b>reveals that maquila workers in El Salvador continue to face extremely precarious labor conditions. According to the study, most female workers endure shifts longer than eight hours a day, sometimes up to 16 hours during peak seasons. <\/span>94% of surveyed women said their wages do not reflect the time and effort invested<\/b>, many also report hostile work environments, arbitrary sanctions, lack of access to basic services like water or restrooms, and discriminatory practices based on gender. These conditions not only affect their physical and emotional well-being but also hinder their personal and professional development, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and vulnerability.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The subcontracting trap<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the biggest barriers to transparency is subcontracting. Many brands do not produce their garments directly; instead, they outsource production to third parties, who also further subcontract parts of the process to smaller workshops. This makes it extremely difficult to trace, and hold accountable, the conditions under which garments are made.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In Lima, Peru, it is estimated that over 60% of textile production comes from the informal sector. <\/b>In these workshops, many operating in private homes, child labor is common, and safety and hygiene regulations are rarely enforced.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Traceability: A nascent tool<\/b><\/p>\n

Traceability is the ability to track a garment from its origin to the consumer, is a key tool for holding brands accountable. However, in Latin America, its implementation remains limited.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Some pilot initiatives, such as the Moda Sostenible platform in Colombia or verification systems developed by NGOs in Mexico, seeks to map the supply chain. Yet, the lack of regional legislation and unwillingness from major brands have prevented significant progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The role of consumers and legislation<\/b><\/p>\n

Experts agree that social pressure is one of the most effective drivers of change. In an article published in the Revista de Estudios Universitarios Centroamericanos (REUCA), <\/span>Meraris C. L\u00f3pez<\/b>, warns that many women working from home for textile maquilas face forms of exploitation similar to \u201cmodern slavery.\u201d She notes that these workers lack formal contracts, also they must produce garments in very short deadlines , and are paid so little that they can\u2019t afford the set of essential goods and services.<\/span><\/p>\n

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According to L\u00f3pez, \u201cthe invisibility of these workers denies them recognition as rights-holders,\u201d which increases their vulnerability within international production chains.<\/span><\/p>\n

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ALso, legal frameworks are still weak. Only Brazil has enacted laws against slave labor in the textile sector, though enforcement is inconsistent. The region lacks binding regulations requiring brands to be transparent and accountable throughout their supply chains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brands committed to labor justice and sustainability<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite the challenges, several Latin American brands are leading a shift towards more ethical and sustainable practices. Below are some standout initiatives:<\/span><\/p>\n

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