Inside China’s fast-fashion factories as a US trade war looms

The Guardian's "Today in Focus" podcast explores the impact of the US-China trade war, particularly on garment workers in Guangzhou, China. Amy Hawkins, The Guardian's Beijing correspondent, details how Trump's tariffs and the rise of fast-fashion companies like Shein have affected these workers. While the Chinese government downplays the trade war's impact, factory bosses worry about potential closures if tariffs increase. Guangzhou, a major manufacturing hub, faces challenges as orders decline and workers grapple with demanding conditions and uncertain futures. Despite the exploitative nature of the industry, many workers view it as their most profitable option, sending money home to support their families. The trade war exacerbates existing issues, leading to reduced orders and unpredictable work conditions. While some hope for a trade deal, there's a growing sense of the US being an unreliable market, prompting factories to diversify. The discussion also touches on whether the trade war could curb fast fashion's environmental impact, though consumer demand for cheap goods persists.