A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday (28 March), throwing an already vulnerable fashion supply chain into turmoil.
With factories damaged, workers displaced and production disrupted, the disaster has highlighted the precarious nature of global sourcing.
Brands that rely on Myanmar’s garment industry now face major logistical and ethical challenges, as concerns grow over both immediate relief efforts and the long-term future of manufacturing in the region.
Myanmar has become a critical sourcing hub for major fashion brands, but this latest disaster has put its role in the industry under intense scrutiny.
Reports indicate that multiple factories have been severely damaged, with some collapsing entirely. Production has stalled and the ripple effects are being felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders.
For brands that rely on strict production timelines, the impact could be extremely costly. Delays in manufacturing mean shipments may not arrive on time, leaving retailers scrambling to adjust supply chains.
Companies like H&M, Frasers Group, BESTSELLER and Inditex, whose brands include Zara and Pull&Bear, all have ties to Myanmar’s factories. The disruption could result in financial losses and stock shortages, putting additional pressure on an already volatile industry. The human cost, however, is even greater. Thousands of workers, many of them women, have been left without jobs, homes or access to essential resources.
The UN has stepped in, with the World Health Organization (WHO) sending nearly three tonnes of medical supplies to hospitals in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Daw. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated on X: "People urgently need shelter, medical care, water and sanitation support. This disaster puts more pressure on already vulnerable people facing an alarming crisis."
The situation is especially dire for women and girls, who are at increased risk during humanitarian crises.
Jaime Nadal Roig, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar, highlights these risks: "In emergencies like this, women and girls face increased risks, from compromised access to life-saving maternal healthcare to heightened risk of gender-based violence."