Minimum wages have been raised dramatically in a few countries where inflation rates soared in 2022-23, resulting in sharp differences between apparel manufacturing countries. Our report displays minimum wages in low-cost apparel manufacturing countries in Asia from 2015 to 2023, in local currency and US$ terms. An eight-year comparison is available in local currency terms, 2015 US$ terms, and nominal US$ terms. Read more...

Minimum wages were raised in many low-cost countries in the past weeks, as a result of a stronger rise in consumer prices. Over the long term, however, real wages fell or rose very slightly, far from the commitments of Western brands and retailers. Our report displays minimum wages in low-cost apparel manufacturing countries in Asia, from 2015 to 2023, in local currency and US$ terms. An 8-year comparison is available in local currency terms,

Minimum wages have not been raised in most low-income countries although food and energy prices are boosted by the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine. Our report displays minimum wages in low-cost apparel manufacturing countries in Asia, from January 2015 to September 2022, in local currency and US$ terms. A 7-year comparison is available in local currency terms, 2015 US$ terms, and nominal US$ terms. Read more...

Food inflation is set to accelerate globally. Despite this, minimum wages have largely been stagnant in apparel manufacturing economies. Governments have limited or no capacity to respond due to economic weakness, high indebtedness and political turmoil. Our report displays minimum wages in low-cost apparel manufacturing countries in Asia, from January 2015 to May 2022, in local currency and US$ terms. A 6-year comparison is available in local currency terms, 2015 US$ terms, and nominal