Sourcing, or off-shore sourcing

Fabric sourcing is fashion industry talk for shopping the textile market. Off-shore sourcing might be cheaper, but designers must have a basic understanding of tariffs and duties, and be able to identify a trustworthy supplier and get an accurate quote.

I recommend: Fashion Dex has a guide to sourcing for beginners, including information on the types of fabric suppliers a designer will encounter on his or her search.

Agents and monitors

Because off-shore sourcing entails considerable knowledge of international trade law and the quirks of the local market, the job might be best left to a professional agent. Agents can track down the fabric you need, negotiate the price and inspect the order before it ships.

I recommend: Elite International is a firm that handles sourcing in India.

Licensing

Apparel companies that want to profit from their brand can enter into licensing agreements, allowing an outside manufacturer to produce goods with their brand slapped on it. Often, licensed merchandise is produced in emerging markets.

I recommend: The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association has an introduction that explains the various types of licensing, including fashion licensing.

Quotas

To limit a glut of overseas goods, a country may institute quotas, which set a cap on certain imported products. Due to the competitive global market for textiles, companies must be aware of the quotas in the countries where they do business.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has information on textiles and quotas.

Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA)

A division of the International Trade Administration, OTEXA is responsible for promoting U.S. textile goods abroad and compiles data on the international textile trade. The office both formulates and implements textile trade policy.

I recommend: OTEXA provides statistics and information for industry professionals.

Anti-dumping duties

To discourage a glut of cheap foreign textiles, a country may impose anti-dumping duties on apparel imported at a price below its market value.

I recommend: Emerging Textiles has an anti-dumping feed that lists import/export news from around the world.