With production costs on the rise in China due to wagepressures and a slew of new government mandates, Nicaragua may be in a perfectspot to become a more vital player in the global apparel industry. Add in thesector’s growing reliance on replenishment orders and Nicaragua already lookslike a viable apparel sourcing alternative. But experts say the country isbetter suited as supplement to Asian-produced apparel rather than a full-blownreplacement as more apparel vendors, such as Hanesbrands, aim to balance theirgeographic sourcing structures.

Thus far, this largest Central American country of 5.7million inhabitants trails both El Salvador and the bordering nation ofHonduras in ... Log in to view full article.