US President Donald Trump’s suit, which he recently wore to an event in Nebraska, has drawn attention to Bangladesh’s role in the global menswear supply chain.
In a social media post, Bangladesh-based Textile Times said Trump wore a suit from US menswear retailer Jos. A. Bank at a “Make America Great Again” rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on 5 October.
The post also referred to menswear expert Derek Guy’s comments on Trump removing his navy-blue suit jacket at the rally, raising questions about the use of imported suits when American-made alternatives were available.
But was Trump’s suit made in Bangladesh?
A CNN report published on 8 October, titled “Trump’s cheap suit is out of character and awkward for a few reasons”, suggested that the suit may have been made in Bangladesh or China.
“That means Trump’s suit was likely made in China or Bangladesh — perhaps not the right message for a president who has promised the return of American manufacturing,” the report said.
Sharif Zahir, managing director of Universal Menswear Ltd, a garment factory located in the Adamjee Export Processing Zone in Narayanganj, confirmed to The Business Standard that the navy-blue suit worn by Trump was manufactured at his factory.
“When a billionaire president who loves gold and luxury, and has even gilded the White House, proudly wears an affordable suit made in Bangladesh, it speaks volumes about our craftsmanship and value,” Zahir told TBS.
He added, “A proud moment for our talented workers and the world-class apparel industry we have built.”
According to the company’s website, Universal Menswear Ltd is a full-service manufacturer of men’s tailored suits, jackets, overcoats and trousers.
With a total floor space of 500,000 square feet, the facility is among the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, the company says.
“It features state-of-the-art equipment, including automatic cutting systems, specialised sewing and pressing machines, and conveyor-based goods movement across all production and storage areas,” the website states.
“Led by a diverse team of veterans from the tailoring industry, Universal Menswear Ltd combines innovative design, the finest materials, and the highest manufacturing standards to produce exceptional products for its customers,” it adds.
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