Sustainability of Industrial Competitiveness of the Textile and Apparel Industry in Asian Countries—A Systematic Review

This study investigates the sustainability of competitiveness in the textile and apparel industry across Asia following the 2005 conclusion of the Agreement on Textiles and Apparel (ATC). It aims to evaluate how sectoral competitiveness is understood and maintained beyond cost savings alone. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzing 48 peer-reviewed journal articles from reputable sources published between 2001 and 2024. The selection process involved multiple stages of screening and thematic categorization, focusing on individual country case studies, competitiveness measures, indicators, analytical frameworks, and methodological approaches. A Risk of Bias assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The findings highlight seven strategic pillars for sustaining competitiveness in the textile and apparel industry: shifting toward higher value-added manufacturing; integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs); technological innovation; adaptability; supply chain collaboration and organizational networks; responsible manufacturing; and government support. Moreover, the review includes a Co-occurrence analysis of all seven pillars. The analysis shows that supply chain collaboration and organizational networks serve as central pillars, often combined with adaptability and technological innovation. These findings demonstrate that maintaining industrial competitiveness in the textile and apparel industry no longer depends solely on cost efficiency but increasingly relies on strategic capabilities, ecosystem collaboration, and institutional support. The study offers a comprehensive framework to enhance the long-term competitiveness of textile manufacturing, particularly in Asia, contributing to the broader literature on transforming industries to stay competitive.