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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47520633

Lawmakers across Latin America are joining global efforts to rein in ultrafast fashion.

Archived

[...]

Chinese online marketplaces like Shein and Temu [and their] flood of ultracheap clothing has upended Latin American retail.

In response, Argentina has joined the growing global backlash against ultrafast fashion and legislative efforts to contain it. The country’s textile industry is pushing for an “anti-Shein” bill that would impose import controls and apply a flat 30% customs duty levy on e-commerce parcels to shield local manufacturers from cheap Chinese imports — a push that has gained cross-party support. Textile trade groups in Brazil and Mexico are coordinating similar efforts as part of a wider regional response.

“We’re not afraid to compete — but it has to be on equal terms,” said [the owner of a textile family buiness Luciano] Galfione, who is also the president of the ProTejer trade association. “When I sell a T-shirt online from my factory, I pay every tax imaginable. Shein sells the same way and pays none.”

[...]

Countries around the world are pushing back in an effort to protect their own textile industries. In October, the French Senate passed a bill that will sanction Asian fast fashion companies by scoring their environmental impact. Last year, Indonesia lowered the threshold below which goods are exempt from import duties from $100 to $3, while South Africa began taxing small parcels under $27. In August, the U.S. scrapped its $800 duty-free exemption, meaning even the smallest imports now face tariffs.

Governments across Latin America are also moving to shield domestic industries, which are highly labor-intensive and especially vulnerable to foreign competition. Mexico recently raised tariffs on small packages from China to 33.5%, while Chile is moving toward applying a 19% value-added tax on low-cost imports. Ecuador began implementing a $20 fee on small packages in June.

[...]

In Argentina, where textile output has plunged more than 20% in the past year as cheap imports surged, industry leaders are pushing for Shein and Temu imports to undergo inspections verifying that fabrics are non-toxic and environmentally safe. Under the proposed bill, the garments would be subject to standard import duties and taxes. The proposal mirrors France’s new ultrafast fashion law, which adds a progressive “eco tax” and requires labels to disclose key environmental information. Shein, for its part, denies qualifying as fast fashion.

[...]

Until recently, Shein wasn’t even an option in Argentina. The country’s textile and apparel industry — alongside footwear and automobiles — was for decades shielded by tariffs of up to 35% and complex import rules, a policy intended to protect nearly 300,000 local jobs. But these measures also kept prices among the highest in the world, and more than 35% above the Latin American average.

That changed in 2024, when President Javier Milei rolled back restrictions, cut tariffs to 20%, scrapped licenses, and raised the duty-free limit for door-to-door imports to $400 per package, from $50. The move unleashed a flood of online deliveries — dazzling consumers who had long been resigned to exorbitant prices, but enraging local textile makers who say the playing field is now anything but level.

“Opening the economy cannot mean making it precarious,” a press release from Argentina’s Apparel Chamber said.

[...]

There are also other concerns. Studies show that many garments from ultrafast fashion brands like Shein are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. Investigations have revealed grueling labor conditions in supplier factories and risks of significant environmental damage tied to ultracheap production.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47520633

Lawmakers across Latin America are joining global efforts to rein in ultrafast fashion.

Archived

[...]

Chinese online marketplaces like Shein and Temu [and their] flood of ultracheap clothing has upended Latin American retail.

In response, Argentina has joined the growing global backlash against ultrafast fashion and legislative efforts to contain it. The country’s textile industry is pushing for an “anti-Shein” bill that would impose import controls and apply a flat 30% customs duty levy on e-commerce parcels to shield local manufacturers from cheap Chinese imports — a push that has gained cross-party support. Textile trade groups in Brazil and Mexico are coordinating similar efforts as part of a wider regional response.

“We’re not afraid to compete — but it has to be on equal terms,” said [the owner of a textile family buiness Luciano] Galfione, who is also the president of the ProTejer trade association. “When I sell a T-shirt online from my factory, I pay every tax imaginable. Shein sells the same way and pays none.”

[...]

Countries around the world are pushing back in an effort to protect their own textile industries. In October, the French Senate passed a bill that will sanction Asian fast fashion companies by scoring their environmental impact. Last year, Indonesia lowered the threshold below which goods are exempt from import duties from $100 to $3, while South Africa began taxing small parcels under $27. In August, the U.S. scrapped its $800 duty-free exemption, meaning even the smallest imports now face tariffs.

Governments across Latin America are also moving to shield domestic industries, which are highly labor-intensive and especially vulnerable to foreign competition. Mexico recently raised tariffs on small packages from China to 33.5%, while Chile is moving toward applying a 19% value-added tax on low-cost imports. Ecuador began implementing a $20 fee on small packages in June.

[...]

In Argentina, where textile output has plunged more than 20% in the past year as cheap imports surged, industry leaders are pushing for Shein and Temu imports to undergo inspections verifying that fabrics are non-toxic and environmentally safe. Under the proposed bill, the garments would be subject to standard import duties and taxes. The proposal mirrors France’s new ultrafast fashion law, which adds a progressive “eco tax” and requires labels to disclose key environmental information. Shein, for its part, denies qualifying as fast fashion.

[...]

Until recently, Shein wasn’t even an option in Argentina. The country’s textile and apparel industry — alongside footwear and automobiles — was for decades shielded by tariffs of up to 35% and complex import rules, a policy intended to protect nearly 300,000 local jobs. But these measures also kept prices among the highest in the world, and more than 35% above the Latin American average.

That changed in 2024, when President Javier Milei rolled back restrictions, cut tariffs to 20%, scrapped licenses, and raised the duty-free limit for door-to-door imports to $400 per package, from $50. The move unleashed a flood of online deliveries — dazzling consumers who had long been resigned to exorbitant prices, but enraging local textile makers who say the playing field is now anything but level.

“Opening the economy cannot mean making it precarious,” a press release from Argentina’s Apparel Chamber said.

[...]

There are also other concerns. Studies show that many garments from ultrafast fashion brands like Shein are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. Investigations have revealed grueling labor conditions in supplier factories and risks of significant environmental damage tied to ultracheap production.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47520633

Lawmakers across Latin America are joining global efforts to rein in ultrafast fashion.

Archived

[...]

Chinese online marketplaces like Shein and Temu [and their] flood of ultracheap clothing has upended Latin American retail.

In response, Argentina has joined the growing global backlash against ultrafast fashion and legislative efforts to contain it. The country’s textile industry is pushing for an “anti-Shein” bill that would impose import controls and apply a flat 30% customs duty levy on e-commerce parcels to shield local manufacturers from cheap Chinese imports — a push that has gained cross-party support. Textile trade groups in Brazil and Mexico are coordinating similar efforts as part of a wider regional response.

“We’re not afraid to compete — but it has to be on equal terms,” said [the owner of a textile family buiness Luciano] Galfione, who is also the president of the ProTejer trade association. “When I sell a T-shirt online from my factory, I pay every tax imaginable. Shein sells the same way and pays none.”

[...]

Countries around the world are pushing back in an effort to protect their own textile industries. In October, the French Senate passed a bill that will sanction Asian fast fashion companies by scoring their environmental impact. Last year, Indonesia lowered the threshold below which goods are exempt from import duties from $100 to $3, while South Africa began taxing small parcels under $27. In August, the U.S. scrapped its $800 duty-free exemption, meaning even the smallest imports now face tariffs.

Governments across Latin America are also moving to shield domestic industries, which are highly labor-intensive and especially vulnerable to foreign competition. Mexico recently raised tariffs on small packages from China to 33.5%, while Chile is moving toward applying a 19% value-added tax on low-cost imports. Ecuador began implementing a $20 fee on small packages in June.

[...]

In Argentina, where textile output has plunged more than 20% in the past year as cheap imports surged, industry leaders are pushing for Shein and Temu imports to undergo inspections verifying that fabrics are non-toxic and environmentally safe. Under the proposed bill, the garments would be subject to standard import duties and taxes. The proposal mirrors France’s new ultrafast fashion law, which adds a progressive “eco tax” and requires labels to disclose key environmental information. Shein, for its part, denies qualifying as fast fashion.

[...]

Until recently, Shein wasn’t even an option in Argentina. The country’s textile and apparel industry — alongside footwear and automobiles — was for decades shielded by tariffs of up to 35% and complex import rules, a policy intended to protect nearly 300,000 local jobs. But these measures also kept prices among the highest in the world, and more than 35% above the Latin American average.

That changed in 2024, when President Javier Milei rolled back restrictions, cut tariffs to 20%, scrapped licenses, and raised the duty-free limit for door-to-door imports to $400 per package, from $50. The move unleashed a flood of online deliveries — dazzling consumers who had long been resigned to exorbitant prices, but enraging local textile makers who say the playing field is now anything but level.

“Opening the economy cannot mean making it precarious,” a press release from Argentina’s Apparel Chamber said.

[...]

There are also other concerns. Studies show that many garments from ultrafast fashion brands like Shein are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. Investigations have revealed grueling labor conditions in supplier factories and risks of significant environmental damage tied to ultracheap production.

[...]

Lawmakers across Latin America are joining global efforts to rein in ultrafast fashion.

Archived

[...]

Chinese online marketplaces like Shein and Temu [and their] flood of ultracheap clothing has upended Latin American retail.

In response, Argentina has joined the growing global backlash against ultrafast fashion and legislative efforts to contain it. The country’s textile industry is pushing for an “anti-Shein” bill that would impose import controls and apply a flat 30% customs duty levy on e-commerce parcels to shield local manufacturers from cheap Chinese imports — a push that has gained cross-party support. Textile trade groups in Brazil and Mexico are coordinating similar efforts as part of a wider regional response.

“We’re not afraid to compete — but it has to be on equal terms,” said [the owner of a textile family buiness Luciano] Galfione, who is also the president of the ProTejer trade association. “When I sell a T-shirt online from my factory, I pay every tax imaginable. Shein sells the same way and pays none.”

[...]

Countries around the world are pushing back in an effort to protect their own textile industries. In October, the French Senate passed a bill that will sanction Asian fast fashion companies by scoring their environmental impact. Last year, Indonesia lowered the threshold below which goods are exempt from import duties from $100 to $3, while South Africa began taxing small parcels under $27. In August, the U.S. scrapped its $800 duty-free exemption, meaning even the smallest imports now face tariffs.

Governments across Latin America are also moving to shield domestic industries, which are highly labor-intensive and especially vulnerable to foreign competition. Mexico recently raised tariffs on small packages from China to 33.5%, while Chile is moving toward applying a 19% value-added tax on low-cost imports. Ecuador began implementing a $20 fee on small packages in June.

[...]

In Argentina, where textile output has plunged more than 20% in the past year as cheap imports surged, industry leaders are pushing for Shein and Temu imports to undergo inspections verifying that fabrics are non-toxic and environmentally safe. Under the proposed bill, the garments would be subject to standard import duties and taxes. The proposal mirrors France’s new ultrafast fashion law, which adds a progressive “eco tax” and requires labels to disclose key environmental information. Shein, for its part, denies qualifying as fast fashion.

[...]

Until recently, Shein wasn’t even an option in Argentina. The country’s textile and apparel industry — alongside footwear and automobiles — was for decades shielded by tariffs of up to 35% and complex import rules, a policy intended to protect nearly 300,000 local jobs. But these measures also kept prices among the highest in the world, and more than 35% above the Latin American average.

That changed in 2024, when President Javier Milei rolled back restrictions, cut tariffs to 20%, scrapped licenses, and raised the duty-free limit for door-to-door imports to $400 per package, from $50. The move unleashed a flood of online deliveries — dazzling consumers who had long been resigned to exorbitant prices, but enraging local textile makers who say the playing field is now anything but level.

“Opening the economy cannot mean making it precarious,” a press release from Argentina’s Apparel Chamber said.

[...]

There are also other concerns. Studies show that many garments from ultrafast fashion brands like Shein are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. Investigations have revealed grueling labor conditions in supplier factories and risks of significant environmental damage tied to ultracheap production.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47501938

Archived

[...]

Nothing about this trial has been free or fair. Indeed the National Security Law itself, which Lai has been charged under, is an affront to free speech, masquerading as justice when instead its sole purpose is to criminalise and crush opposition voices.

[...]

Since the ascension of Xi Jinping to power from 2012, the CCP ‘s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong only intensified. Then on 30 June 2020, the National Security Law was passed. Speaking before its passage, Lai called the law “a death knell for Hong Kong”. Lai was arrested on 10 August of that year, as were others from Next Digital.

Following his arrest, Apple Daily [which was founded by Jimmy Lai] was also targeted. The newspaper was forced to shut down a year later when its assets were frozen.

[...]

Throughout his ordeal, Jimmy Lai – whose health has visibly deteriorated – has never backed down from his pro-democracy position. Preferring to be a martyr for the cause rather than sacrifice his principles, Lai is being punished for exercising his right to free speech. It is vital that his case does not go unnoticed. The guilty verdict returned in relation to these charges is an appalling breach of Lai’s personal rights and freedoms, and we will continue to condemn the decision while Lai continues to be incarcerated. Advocating for human rights is not a crime. Keeping Jimmy Lai locked up is.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47501938

Archived

[...]

Nothing about this trial has been free or fair. Indeed the National Security Law itself, which Lai has been charged under, is an affront to free speech, masquerading as justice when instead its sole purpose is to criminalise and crush opposition voices.

[...]

Since the ascension of Xi Jinping to power from 2012, the CCP ‘s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong only intensified. Then on 30 June 2020, the National Security Law was passed. Speaking before its passage, Lai called the law “a death knell for Hong Kong”. Lai was arrested on 10 August of that year, as were others from Next Digital.

Following his arrest, Apple Daily [which was founded by Jimmy Lai] was also targeted. The newspaper was forced to shut down a year later when its assets were frozen.

[...]

Throughout his ordeal, Jimmy Lai – whose health has visibly deteriorated – has never backed down from his pro-democracy position. Preferring to be a martyr for the cause rather than sacrifice his principles, Lai is being punished for exercising his right to free speech. It is vital that his case does not go unnoticed. The guilty verdict returned in relation to these charges is an appalling breach of Lai’s personal rights and freedoms, and we will continue to condemn the decision while Lai continues to be incarcerated. Advocating for human rights is not a crime. Keeping Jimmy Lai locked up is.

Archived

[...]

Nothing about this trial has been free or fair. Indeed the National Security Law itself, which Lai has been charged under, is an affront to free speech, masquerading as justice when instead its sole purpose is to criminalise and crush opposition voices.

[...]

Since the ascension of Xi Jinping to power from 2012, the CCP ‘s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong only intensified. Then on 30 June 2020, the National Security Law was passed. Speaking before its passage, Lai called the law “a death knell for Hong Kong”. Lai was arrested on 10 August of that year, as were others from Next Digital.

Following his arrest, Apple Daily [which was founded by Jimmy Lai] was also targeted. The newspaper was forced to shut down a year later when its assets were frozen.

[...]

Throughout his ordeal, Jimmy Lai – whose health has visibly deteriorated – has never backed down from his pro-democracy position. Preferring to be a martyr for the cause rather than sacrifice his principles, Lai is being punished for exercising his right to free speech. It is vital that his case does not go unnoticed. The guilty verdict returned in relation to these charges is an appalling breach of Lai’s personal rights and freedoms, and we will continue to condemn the decision while Lai continues to be incarcerated. Advocating for human rights is not a crime. Keeping Jimmy Lai locked up is.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47501722

Archived

[...]

According to official information released by various governments, as well as commercial satellite imagery, there were at least seven groups of Chinese warships operating across the western Pacific at the beginning of the week.

Last week Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia was tracking several Chinese warships in the Philippines Sea, but the Government has not released any further information about their movements since.

On Sunday another PLA-Navy Task Group, which is currently on a far-sea comprehensive training mission, arrived in Jakarta to begin a four-day “friendly” visit to Indonesia.

[...]

This week New Zealand revealed that its largest naval ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, was closely shadowed by seven Chinese warships while helping enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the East China and Yellow Seas last month.

New Zealand’s defence force said the warships kept a “safe and professional distance” from its replenishment vessel as it operated alongside ships from Canada, France, and Japan.

The same naval vessel also encountered a Taiwanese warship as it sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait during November.

[...]

Last week Defence Chief David Johnston confirmed an Australian P-8 surveillance plane had observed the Chinese task group operating in the Philippine Sea, approximately 500 nautical miles north of Palau.

“I have previously stated that we have seen a greater PLA Navy presence in our immediate region in recent years, and we do expect to see future PLA in extended area deployments,” Admiral Johnston told a senate estimates hearing in Canberra.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47501722

Archived

[...]

According to official information released by various governments, as well as commercial satellite imagery, there were at least seven groups of Chinese warships operating across the western Pacific at the beginning of the week.

Last week Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia was tracking several Chinese warships in the Philippines Sea, but the Government has not released any further information about their movements since.

On Sunday another PLA-Navy Task Group, which is currently on a far-sea comprehensive training mission, arrived in Jakarta to begin a four-day “friendly” visit to Indonesia.

[...]

This week New Zealand revealed that its largest naval ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, was closely shadowed by seven Chinese warships while helping enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the East China and Yellow Seas last month.

New Zealand’s defence force said the warships kept a “safe and professional distance” from its replenishment vessel as it operated alongside ships from Canada, France, and Japan.

The same naval vessel also encountered a Taiwanese warship as it sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait during November.

[...]

Last week Defence Chief David Johnston confirmed an Australian P-8 surveillance plane had observed the Chinese task group operating in the Philippine Sea, approximately 500 nautical miles north of Palau.

“I have previously stated that we have seen a greater PLA Navy presence in our immediate region in recent years, and we do expect to see future PLA in extended area deployments,” Admiral Johnston told a senate estimates hearing in Canberra.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47501722

Archived

[...]

According to official information released by various governments, as well as commercial satellite imagery, there were at least seven groups of Chinese warships operating across the western Pacific at the beginning of the week.

Last week Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia was tracking several Chinese warships in the Philippines Sea, but the Government has not released any further information about their movements since.

On Sunday another PLA-Navy Task Group, which is currently on a far-sea comprehensive training mission, arrived in Jakarta to begin a four-day “friendly” visit to Indonesia.

[...]

This week New Zealand revealed that its largest naval ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, was closely shadowed by seven Chinese warships while helping enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the East China and Yellow Seas last month.

New Zealand’s defence force said the warships kept a “safe and professional distance” from its replenishment vessel as it operated alongside ships from Canada, France, and Japan.

The same naval vessel also encountered a Taiwanese warship as it sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait during November.

[...]

Last week Defence Chief David Johnston confirmed an Australian P-8 surveillance plane had observed the Chinese task group operating in the Philippine Sea, approximately 500 nautical miles north of Palau.

“I have previously stated that we have seen a greater PLA Navy presence in our immediate region in recent years, and we do expect to see future PLA in extended area deployments,” Admiral Johnston told a senate estimates hearing in Canberra.

Archived

[...]

According to official information released by various governments, as well as commercial satellite imagery, there were at least seven groups of Chinese warships operating across the western Pacific at the beginning of the week.

Last week Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia was tracking several Chinese warships in the Philippines Sea, but the Government has not released any further information about their movements since.

On Sunday another PLA-Navy Task Group, which is currently on a far-sea comprehensive training mission, arrived in Jakarta to begin a four-day “friendly” visit to Indonesia.

[...]

This week New Zealand revealed that its largest naval ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, was closely shadowed by seven Chinese warships while helping enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the East China and Yellow Seas last month.

New Zealand’s defence force said the warships kept a “safe and professional distance” from its replenishment vessel as it operated alongside ships from Canada, France, and Japan.

The same naval vessel also encountered a Taiwanese warship as it sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait during November.

[...]

Last week Defence Chief David Johnston confirmed an Australian P-8 surveillance plane had observed the Chinese task group operating in the Philippine Sea, approximately 500 nautical miles north of Palau.

“I have previously stated that we have seen a greater PLA Navy presence in our immediate region in recent years, and we do expect to see future PLA in extended area deployments,” Admiral Johnston told a senate estimates hearing in Canberra.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/47473612

Archived

Former Hong Kong prison inmates have told of inhumane and degrading conditions in new research published today by Amnesty International, as the organization called for authorities to urgently investigate the situation in the city’s correctional facilities.

Nine former inmates jailed between 2016 and 2023 reported physical violence, prolonged solitary confinement, poor sanitary conditions and dangerously high summer temperatures during their incarceration across 11 prisons in the territory.

“These accounts of Hong Kong prison life by former inmates reveal a pattern of ill-treatment that has caused significant mental and physical harm and demands immediate investigation,” Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said.

“Subjecting inmates to extreme heat, filthy conditions and violent punishment amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and may amount to torture under international law. Hong Kong’s government must end this culture of abuse and ensure those responsible for human rights abuses in its prisons are held accountable.”

Hong Kong authorities responded to Amnesty to refute the claims as a “malicious smear”.

[...]

Tony Chung, a political activist held on remand at the Pik Uk Correctional Institution for juvenile offenders from October 2020 to April 2022, told Amnesty International that violence by prison officers against inmates was commonplace.

“Sometimes, when officers were unhappy with an inmate, they would bring the inmate to a corridor where there was no CCTV coverage, and then I could hear the inmate screaming and the sounds of a ‘chicken wing’,” he said. ‘Chicken wing’ is a term used to describe officers striking an inmate’s shoulder blades with their elbows, a method intended to avoid leaving visible bruises.

Peter*, who was held in the same facility from 2016 over protest-related offences, said he was assaulted by a correctional officer on his first day because he did not know how to address staff properly.

“In juvenile prisons, inmates must use specific phrases to report their names and hold their ID cards in front of their chests,” he said. “I didn’t know that because I was new, so I was slapped in the face eight times as punishment.”

Peter said corporal punishment was used by officers to assert authority and to instil fear in juvenile facility.

“You could get beaten if your blanket wasn’t folded neatly or if your hands weren’t firm and straight enough while standing,” he said. “Once, I was asked to memorize the prison rulebook, then suddenly ordered to recite it backwards. For every wrong word, I was hit once on the soles of my feet. In the end, my soles turned purple.”

[...]