Written by Jill Geoghegan | From Drapers

UK retailers are increasingly turning to Mauritius in favour of the Far East for the manufacture of jerseys, knits and denim, attracted by shorter lead times and lack of export tariffs.

Arcadia, Marks & Spencer, Primark and Asos are already sourcing from the country, but others including lifestyle brand Joules and home shopping group N Brown are now mulling the move.

Both these retailers attended the Mauritian Fashion Fiesta, held in London on April 3-4 at the Emirates Stadium, where 25 textile manufacturers from the country exhibited.

Joules fabric manager Ivor Blakeley said the company was “seriously considering” a move to Mauritius for its knitwear production as it is “closer to home”.

He said: “We’re looking at Mauritius in particular as the lead times are not as long and the factories have lower minimums. We currently source from China and India but as the cost of living in China rises it is only going to get more expensive there.”

Read more at Drapers