The Travels of a T-Shirt in a Global Economy
The T-Shirt Finally Encounters a Free Market Assignment
- Why does the US export used clothing? What caused the emergence of a used clothing export industry in the US?
- What is the "snowflake" factor in the used clothing industry?
- In 2012, what country is the largest (by $ value) importer of US used clothing?
- Discuss the trade barriers in the export and import of used clothing.
- What is mitumba?
- Why are close personal relationships a necessary ingredient for success in the mitumba market?
- What factors have caused the mitumba business in Tanzania to change since its emergence in the 1980's to the present day?
- What does Thomas Freidman mean when he states that Africa has the right "operating system" and improving "hardware" but lacks the appropriate "software"?
- What is the "informal" economy? Why do governments encourage citizens/companies to move from the informal to the formal economy?
- What are your views on the mitumba trade? Do you think it should be encouraged or restricted? Explain your answer.
- Do you agree with the author's conclusion? Explain your answer.
- Discuss three (3) things you learned from the book.
- Did you enjoy reading the book? Explain what you liked and disliked about it.