Instability of textile and clothing industries

The clothing industry is affected by seasonal cycles and fashion changes which are peculiar to it. It is labour intensive, and because of this and the growing internationalization of styles and manufacture, there is considerable regional and inter-regional competition to which the costs of labour and manufacture are the key. In the textile industry, fluctuations in availability and prices of natural materials occur, particularly as regards cotton, but also with respect to wood, leather and fur. Both the clothing and textile industries are objects of protectionist action by governments.