Survey Results 2020: How Has COVID-19 Affected Haiti’s Apparel Industry?
Summary — This report summarizes the findings of a survey conducted in May and June 2020 on the impact of COVID-19 on Haiti's apparel industry. The survey, conducted by ADIH and IFC, highlights challenges, opportunities, and needed support for the sector.
Key Findings
- Haiti's apparel sector was significantly affected by COVID-19, with reduced production capacity and order cancellations.
- Employment in the sector declined by 31% between March and April 2020.
- Most firms experienced revenue losses of over 30% in 2020.
- Firms identified uncertainty about global demand and government restrictions as key challenges.
- Many firms have the capacity to produce PPE but are underutilizing it.
Full Description
This report presents the main conclusions of a survey of apparel producers in Haiti conducted between May and June 2020 to shed light on how COVID-19 is affecting the industry in Haiti and to help decision makers navigate the crisis. The survey was conceived by l’Association des Industries d’Haïti (ADIH) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group. The export-oriented apparel industry is a major source of formal jobs in Haiti, employing nearly 53,000 people in 2019. The unprecedented global economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has very negatively affected Haiti’s garment sector, jeopardizing its viability in the medium term. Firms are navigating structural shifts in the sector caused by COVID-19. A key factor is what types of apparel products from Haiti will be in demand moving forward.