Reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry: relocation strategies, decision factors and effects on the value chain

The textile industry is experiencing mounting pressure to reconfigure its global production networks in response to recurrent disruptions, escalating sustainability demands and the necessity for more resilient and regionally anchored supply chains. However, despite the growing prominence of reshoring and nearshoring as strategic responses, there is still limited and fragmented evidence on the factors driving these decisions, their preferred destinations and their effects on textile value chains. This discrepancy hinders both theoretical understanding and practical decision-making, emphasizing the necessity for a systematic examination of relocation dynamics within this sector.

In recent decades, there has been an observable trend of increasing concentration of global production in regions characterized by lower labor costs, a trend which is particularly evident in Asia. This offshoring dynamic has shaped highly extended supply chains that, while efficient under stable conditions, have proven vulnerable to disruption. In recent years, a succession of external shocks has exposed structural weaknesses in conventional production models. These shocks include trade tensions between major powers, the prolonged effects of the pandemic, rising logistics costs and escalating sustainability and social responsibility demands (Basalat and Priyanka, 2024). In response to these developments, firms have demonstrated a resurgence of interest in reshoring and nearshoring strategies. These terms refer to the return of operations to the home country and the relocation of activities to geographically proximate regions, respectively (Weiher, 2024; Smith, 2025).

This predicament is especially pronounced in the textile industry, a sector that is heavily reliant on Asian suppliers and is characterized by short product cycles, volatile demand and high logistical exposure. For textile firms, relocation initiatives have emerged as mechanisms to reduce delivery times, mitigate supply risks and respond to pressures for environmentally and socially sustainable production closer to consumer markets (Moradlou et al., 2024). Consequently, there has been a substantial increase in academic and business analyses, which aim to understand the scope and limitations of these relocation strategies.

However, despite this growing attention, existing research presents a high degree of fragmentation. The majority of studies examine reshoring and nearshoring from perspectives centered on sectors other than textiles or limited to specific economies, primarily in Europe and North America, resulting in a thematic and geographical bias (Olagunju et al., 2024; Pegoraro et al., 2025). Consequently, this fragmentation restricts the ability to understand relocation decisions in sectoral contexts such as textiles, which are uniquely exposed to global commercial and logistical risks due to their structural dependence on dispersed supply networks.

In addition, the textile industry still lacks a coherent understanding of how and why relocation decisions are made, where production is being redirected, and what consequences these shifts generate for value chains. The available evidence is dispersed across studies that priorities isolated factors costs, sustainability, risks or regional strategies without integrating them into a unified analytical perspective. This discrepancy gives rise to two interrelated challenges. First, from a theoretical standpoint, it hinders the development of robust frameworks capable of explaining the interdependence between strategic, operational and environmental drivers of relocation.

Second, from a practical perspective, it limits the capacity of textile firms, policymakers and regional actors to design informed strategies for strengthening industrial capacities, enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable production models. Addressing this issue is essential to understand how relocation can reconfigure the structure, competitiveness and sustainability trajectory of textile value chains in an era of recurrent global disruptions.

Moreover, extant research provides limited comparative or integrative analyses capable of jointly explaining the factors driving relocation, the preferred destinations and the implications for value chains (Di Stefano et al., 2024). Many studies priorities cost structures or production efficiency without incorporating equally relevant dimensions such as sustainability, supply chain resilience or organizational challenges specific to the textile sector. This absence of integrated frameworks impedes informed decision-making and hinders the accumulation of knowledge that could support companies facing mounting pressure to adopt sustainable, flexible and regionally anchored production models (García-Alaminos et al., 2024).

Given this context, a structured and comprehensive examination of relocation strategies in textile production is required. For this reason, the aim of this research is to explore the factors, destinations, and impacts associated with reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry, as well as the challenges and methodological approaches used to analyses them. To guide this objective, the study addresses the following questions:

This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of the factors, impacts and methodological approaches associated with relocation in the textile industry. The value of the present study lies in its provision of a structured analysis that bridges academic research and business decision-making at a time marked by global disruptions, sustainability demands and the need to design more resilient supply chains closer to destination markets.

The research uses a systematic review, in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The methodology outlined herein provides a set of guidelines intended to ensure transparency, rigor and traceability in the preparation of systematic reviews. The overarching objective of this approach is to ensure the reproducibility of the process and clarity in the presentation of results (Page et al., 2021).

The PRISMA approach constitutes a systematic framework that organizes the stages of search, selection and analysis of relevant studies in a structured manner. This approach facilitates a treatment of information based on objective and verifiable criteria. This methodological strategy has been developed to address the necessity for a comprehensive and well-supported analysis of reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry. The objective of this strategy is to make a significant contribution to the academic discourse.

The selection of studies was made based on eligibility criteria, with the aim of ensuring the relevance, quality and reliability of the evidence collected. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies published in English or Spanish, as these languages predominate in academic production on the subject. The selection of sources was made on the basis of a rigorous and systematic review of the extant literature. To be considered, a document had to meet the following criteria: it had to be a scientific article, a book chapter, a doctoral thesis or a conference document.

Furthermore, the document was required to be indexed in an academic database, and it was essential for the database to acknowledge the document for its editorial rigor. Moreover, the compendium encompasses works published between 2013 and 2024, a period that coincides with a notable surge in interest concerning reshoring and nearshoring strategies. The justification for selecting the 2013–2024 period has been reinforced by linking the time range to key geopolitical and industrial developments. The starting point of 2013 corresponds to the post-financial crisis phase in which many Western textile and apparel companies began reconsidering offshore production models due to rising labor and transportation costs, increasing corporate transparency requirements and early regulatory initiatives on sustainable sourcing. This period also marks the emergence of new industrial policies in the European Union and North America encouraging regional manufacturing as a competitiveness strategy, particularly in sectors with high exposure to global supply chain volatility such as textiles.

The end point of 2024 captures a decade strongly shaped by trade conflicts, climate regulation and unprecedented supply chain disruptions. These include the USA–China tariff escalations, the COVID-19 pandemic, ESG reporting requirements in textile supply chains and the acceleration of digitalization and automation in manufacturing. Considering this period allows the review to incorporate literature produced before and after major shocks to global production networks, thereby offering a comprehensive perspective on how relocation decisions have evolved in response to geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure and sustainability-driven industrial transformation.

These strategies were developed in response to recent transformations observed in global supply chains. A further criterion was the thematic relevance of the text, which was defined by the presence of key terms linked to industrial relocation processes, in combination with explicit references to the textile, clothing or fashion industry.

This delineation facilitated the narrowing of the search to studies that directly or indirectly addressed the productive relocation in the textile sector from strategic, economic, environmental or logistical perspectives. Priority was given to the inclusion of empirical research, case studies and comparative analyses that would provide concrete evidence on the phenomenon. The exclusion process was structured in three sequential phases. The initial step in the process involved the elimination of duplicate or erroneous records that were the consequence of indexing issues.

The second category comprises studies for which access to the full text was not possible due to editorial restrictions or technical limitations. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the titles, abstracts and introductions, it was ascertained that the third document did not conform to the established thematic or methodological criteria. Consequently, the aforementioned element was excluded from the review.

The sources of information used in this systematic review were Scopus and Web of Science. The selection of both databases was based on their international recognition, the rigor of their indexing processes and their thematic coverage in the social, economic, industrial and management sciences. It is asserted that these characteristics guarantee a representative and high-quality collection for research on industrial relocation strategies, including reshoring and nearshoring. Scopus, a bibliographic database managed by Elsevier, is recognized as one of the world’s foremost such resources.

The strength of this index lies in the volume of indexed publications, which includes scientific journals, books, conference proceedings and grey literature. This breadth facilitates the recovery of documents that combine academic perspectives with applied analysis in industrial processes, logistics and supply chain management. Web of Science, administered by Clarivate Analytics, augments this scope by emphasizing high-impact journals and rigorous evaluation procedures. The database’s architecture facilitates access to consolidated studies, thereby contributing to the advancement of theoretical and methodological development.

It is evident that both databases offer a number of key features, including the capacity to trace sources, use tools for bibliometric analysis and ensure content is updated on a permanent basis. The combination of these two factors serves to mitigate potential biases that may be introduced by partial or regional coverage. Recent studies have demonstrated disparities in regional representation between Scopus and Web of Science, yet both are regarded as the most robust and widely used repositories for systematic reviews of an interdisciplinary nature (Asubiaro et al., 2024).

For each database, a specific equation was constructed to ensure the retrial of relevant studies. In Scopus, an equation was used with the TITLE-ABS-KEY operator, which amalgamated terms related to industrial relocation reshoring, re-shoring, onshoring, back shoring, relocation with descriptors associated with the textile industry, such as textile industry, apparel sector or fashion industry. In Web of Science, an equivalent equation was used, adapted to its syntax using the TS = operator. This strategy facilitated the direction of the search toward studies with a direct or indirect focus on relocation processes in the textile sector.

The selection process was structured sequentially to ensure the relevance of the included studies. The initial phase of the project entailed a thorough review of titles, with the objective of excluding irrelevant records. The second phase of the study involved the reading of abstracts and the application of thematic and methodological criteria that had been defined. In the third phase, the text underwent a comprehensive revision to ensure its alignment with the objective of the research. In conclusion, a series of filters pertaining to quality, document typology and specific relevance were applied for the purpose of conducting an analysis of reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry.

Figure 1 is incorporated into this research, which presents the flow chart recommended by the PRISMA 2020 declaration. This visual scheme provides a structured summary of the process of identification, selection, eligibility and inclusion of studies, reflecting each phase of the procedure followed.

The data was processed using Microsoft Excel as a tool for the extraction, organization and systematization of the data. A database was constructed, incorporating variables such as author, year, country or region, methodological approach, factors analyzed, relocation destinations and identified impacts. This configuration enabled the management of duplicates and the purging of records. The thematic classification of the studies was organized based on these variables. The employment of Excel software was instrumental in ensuring the preservation of traceability and the sequential management of information.

The possibility of bias in this review was identified as a potential issue arising from several factors. The selection of studies may have been influenced by publication bias, which is associated with the greater availability of research with positive or innovative results. The restriction of the review to documents in English and Spanish has also been identified as a potential factor in the emergence of language bias. The restriction to full texts was identified as a further limitation. The utilization of Scopus and Web of Science in conjunction with the delimitation of key terms has the capacity to engender coverage and reporting biases.

The results of the review are organized in accordance with the research questions. This configuration facilitates a lucid, methodical and cogent examination. The provision facilitates the identification of the contributions of each study on the factors associated with relocation in the textile industry. To provide a comprehensive overview of the studies that have been included in the in-depth analysis process, please refer to Table 1.

Figure 2 provides a synopsis of the predominant factors motivating textile firms to adopt reshoring and nearshoring strategies. The distribution of frequencies underscores labor cost arbitrage as the predominant driver, with motives related to cost reduction, production flexibility, strategic repositioning and supply chain resilience ranking closely behind. A range of additional factors, including infrastructure incentives, risk mitigation and access to specialized talent, serve to illustrate the multidimensional motivations behind relocation decisions.

Figure 3 provides an overview of the geographical destinations most frequently associated with textile relocation. The results indicate a concentration of movements toward developing countries, Western Europe and urban manufacturing hubs. Mainland China and Eastern Europe exhibit comparable shares, while Southeast Asia, the Far East and South Asia also demonstrate substantial engagement. A decline in frequency of destination selection is observed for the UK and other regions within the European Union, indicative of diversified strategic relocation patterns.

Figure 4 illustrates the impacts reported across the reviewed studies regarding relocation processes in the textile industry. The most prevalent economic implications are followed by effects on logistical expenditures and strategic adaptation. The figure also incorporates outcomes related to reshoring viability, potential supply chain disruptions, global expansion perspectives, working conditions and customer satisfaction. Innovation, market positioning and employment impacts complement this multifaceted picture.

Figure 5 illustrates the main challenges identified in the implementation of reshoring and nearshoring strategies. The most recurrent obstacles identified in this study include supply chain risks and technological deficits, social inequalities, cultural barriers, strategic decision-making difficulties, knowledge gaps and cost pressures. A multitude of constraints must be considered when assessing the intricacies firms encounter during the process of relocation. These include, but are not limited to, regulatory hurdles, production limitations, environmental commitments, market instability and demand uncertainty.

As illustrated in Figure 6, a wide array of models and methodological approaches have been used in studies concerning textile reshoring and nearshoring. The extant literature on the subject incorporates a variety of models, including optimization models, statistical analyses, case studies and conceptual frameworks. These models are complemented by surveys, interviews, historical examinations and comparative studies. The aforementioned methodologies are pertinent to the following domains: decision-making processes, environmental assessments, technological integration and sociocultural dimensions. These domains collectively elucidate the inherently interdisciplinary nature of relocation research.

The results were organized according to the research questions, thus enabling the analysis to be structured in a clear and orderly manner. This configuration facilitated the identification of patterns, trends and recurring approaches in the specialized literature on reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry. The information collected encompasses the strategic, operational and methodological dimensions. The approach adopted herein provides a comprehensive perspective on the phenomenon and its effects on the value chain.

The objective of the present discussion is to interpret the findings obtained in the systematic review in relation to the objectives of the work. First, the results of the analysis are presented. A subsequent step in the research process involves the comparison of the present study with those conducted in the past. This enables the identification of the contributions made by these earlier studies, as well as the differences between them. A conceptual framework is subsequently presented, the derivation of which has been based on the findings. In the following section, the theoretical, political and practical implications of the study are discussed. In conclusion, the methodological limitations are delineated, and lines of future research aimed at addressing the detected gaps are proposed.

The decisions pertaining to reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry are influenced by a combination of economic, strategic and operational factors. In this context, labor cost arbitrage remains a pivotal consideration. This priority for survival in the face of external pressures had already been warned by Schwarting (1979), who explained how companies make relocation decisions based on their adaptation to the environment. However, contemporary motivations extend beyond economic factors, with aspects such as flexibility and resilience assuming prominence. This shift is consistent with the assertions made by Pappas et al. (2018), who caution against the environmental and energy risks associated with relocating to countries with diminished industrial capacity. This discloses the structural tensions between the immediate efficiency gains and the long-term sustainable commitments that the industry is confronted with.

In this context, there is an increasing geographical diversification in the destinations selected for reshoring and nearshoring processes. While the choice of developing countries is primarily driven by strategies aimed at reducing costs, the decisions that favor Western Europe and urban areas are based on logistical advantages, infrastructure and installed capacity, as Sardar et al. (2016) point out. This coexistence of logics reveals continuity with historical patterns of industrial location, influenced by information circuits, commercial networks and dynamics of sectoral diffusion. The validity of this assertion is further substantiated by the findings of Wubs and Maillet (2017), who emphasize the pivotal role of European textile fairs as convergences of economic, strategic and historical factors, contributing to the redefined conceptualization of productive destinations.

The consequences of these relocation strategies are primarily focused in the economic and logistical domains, thereby affecting operational efficiency and business sustainability objectives. In the opinion of Bhavesh and Patel (2021), the combination of urban growth and industrial relocation has been demonstrated to result in an increase in transport distances. This, in turn, has been shown to result in elevated levels of emissions. This phenomenon has been identified as a significant factor in the pressure exerted on environmental footprint reduction targets. Furthermore, Tudor (2018) contends that such disruptive transformations necessitate robust organizational change management, given that the consequences of reshoring and nearshoring extend beyond the economic sphere, giving rise to challenges in institutional capacity to adapt to more intricate scenarios.

The logistical risks, technological deficits and strategic gaps that hinder the effective implementation of relocation in the sector are clearly manifested in these challenges. The fast fashion model, which is characterized by the complexity of the product, increases the probability of disruptions in the supply chain, as Sardar and Lee (2015) have previously warned. Concurrently, technological limitations are associated with the necessity to adopt collaborative frameworks that integrate tools such as MES systems. The importance of these systems in enhancing control and traceability in industrial environments has been highlighted by Ko et al. (2022).

A thorough review of the extant literature reveals a considerable methodological diversity in the approach to textile reshoring and nearshoring. This methodological heterogeneity is indicative of the necessity for a range of approaches to comprehend such a complex phenomenon. This plural approach encompasses a range of methodologies, including quantitative analysis, historical studies and integrated conceptual frameworks. Casadei and Iammarino (2023) have drawn attention to the empirical gaps and theoretical fragmentation that persist in current studies, emphasizing the need for more articulated research. In addition, the contributions of Lilja (2020) underscore the importance of incorporating labor and contextual dimensions in the analysis, thereby expanding the perspective on the impacts of relocation.

A comparison of the results with previous studies allows the findings to be contextualized within the international research landscape on reshoring and nearshoring. This research is in alignment with Li et al. (2025) with regard to the necessity of clear content organization. However, while Li et al. rely on the Eclectic Paradigm to categorize decision factors, this study adopts a broader model integrating strategic, operational and methodological dimensions. The two works under scrutiny both identify instances of conceptual fragmentation and theoretical lacunae. Ahlqvist’s (2025) analysis of reshoring in Europe demonstrates parallels in regional relocation patterns, although the focus of the analysis is on high-tech sectors and large firms. In contrast, the present study reveals broader geographic trends, including developing countries and traditional textile regions, and a link between relocation and firm size diversity.

López Santiago et al. (2025) provide a framework for the sustainable implications of reshoring, which is echoed here within a wider lens of economic and logistical impacts. Whilst the study uses input-output models for European chains, it is distinguished by its integration of environmental concerns through case studies and general frameworks. There is a consensus that reshoring has the potential to support climate goals; however, methodological challenges in impact assessment persist in the textiles sector.

As Jordan (2025) demonstrates, there are significant risks associated with trade and tariffs in global supply chains, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. As is evident in this study, analogous risks are present, yet it is also emphasized that cultural, social and technological barriers should not be underestimated. Finally, Nagy et al. (2025) identify a global trend toward shorter supply chains, which aligns with the findings of this study. Nevertheless, the present study incorporates the significance of internal capabilities, technological lacunae and firm-level strategy, thereby extending the explanatory framework.

Beyond these comparisons, recent literature further enriches the understanding of reshoring and nearshoring by highlighting the heterogeneity of drivers across industries and regions. De Lima et al. (2025) demonstrate that firms are increasingly evaluating relocation decisions through a multidimensional lens, in which logistics performance, environmental pressures and supply-chain vulnerability interact in complex ways. The findings of the study suggest that the post-pandemic environment has led to an increased perception of supply-chain fragility. This has resulted in strategic relocation becoming a means not only to reduce risks but also to strengthen long-term competitiveness. This finding is consistent with the present study’s identification of strategic and methodological drivers as essential components that shape relocation trajectories across diverse manufacturing contexts.

Recent doctoral research provides additional nuance. Farooq (2025) demonstrates that firms’ realignment strategies are significantly influenced by financial signals and structural rigidities embedded in global production networks. His multiessay investigation reveals that nearshoring decisions often emerge from cumulative risk exposure rather than discrete events, a dynamic also reflected in this study’s broader interpretation of relocation as a process rather than a single strategic choice. This evidence underscores the necessity for integrative analytical frameworks that capture both the temporal and structural dimensions of relocation behavior.

Emerging insights from Latin American contexts serve to expand the geographical diversity of the discussion. Castro-Gonzáles and Mathews (2025) examined import patterns into the USA, revealing that relocation trends are highly product-specific and sensitive to geopolitical shifts, trade regulations and bilateral relations. The analysis demonstrates that the dynamics of reshoring and nearshoring cannot be interpreted solely through firm-level strategies; instead, they are embedded in broader regional economic realignments. This standpoint lends support to the present study’s emphasis on the importance of incorporating developing economies and traditional manufacturing regions into global relocation debates, thereby challenging the euro-centric and high-tech bias of much of the earlier work.

Finally, recent theoretical contributions underscore the necessity to comprehend global value chains as resilient yet profoundly interdependent systems. Butollo et al. (2025) posit that despite rising geopolitical uncertainty and policy-driven incentives for technological sovereignty, global interdependencies remain enduring and structurally embedded. The conclusions of the present study are in alignment with the findings of the aforementioned research, in that they suggest that relocation strategies coexist with and do not replace the broader logic of globalized production. This underscores a crucial point: reshoring and nearshoring should be interpreted as adaptive adjustments within global networks rather than indicators of widespread de-globalization.

The conceptual framework derived from the results of this research is presented in Figure 7. The model is distinguished by its comprehensive integration of the primary components, encompassing the rationales for relocation, intended destinations, anticipated impacts, challenges and the methodologies used. The visual representation facilitates the identification of the sequence between motivations, effects and barriers, as well as the methodological approaches used. The proposed scheme has been designed to provide a structured basis to guide future studies and support strategic decisions in reshoring and nearshoring processes within the textile sector.

To strengthen the theoretical foundation of the proposed conceptual framework, we explicitly integrated multiple established perspectives that help explain relocation decisions in the textile sector. First, the Eclectic Paradigm provides a classic lens for understanding how ownership, location and internalization advantages shape reshoring and nearshoring choices. Second, supply-chain resilience theory offers insight into how firms react to uncertainty, disruption and systemic vulnerabilities, particularly relevant in postpandemic contexts where production continuity, inventory control and risk diversification have become strategic priorities. Third, global value chain governance literature helps examine power asymmetries, industry standards, traceability requirements and sustainability pressures imposed by dominant market actors, especially in textile and apparel industries characterized by multitier supplier networks and regulatory scrutiny.

By incorporating these theoretical approaches directly into the results and discussion, the framework clarifies how specific relocation factors and documented impacts align with broader academic debates. This connection also highlights the unique contribution of the present study: rather than assessing relocation through a single theoretical lens, it synthesizes strategic, operational and sustainability-oriented arguments into a unified analytical structure tailored to the textile value chain. In doing so, the framework challenges reductionist interpretations of reshoring as a purely economic decision and instead positions it within a multidimensional configuration that captures methodological diversity, sector complexity and emerging trends such as circular production, digital traceability and policy-driven regionalization.

To explicitly strengthen the conceptual positioning of the framework, additional text has been incorporated highlighting how the proposed model extends existing theories. Traditional analytical approaches to reshoring and nearshoring – such as the Eclectic Paradigm, transaction cost theory, global value chain governance and resilience-oriented supply chain models – tend to isolate specific dimensions of relocation (e.g. cost efficiency, risk exposure or governance configurations). In contrast, the proposed framework integrates these dimensions simultaneously, while adding two elements that are generally absent in the literature:

1. a sustainability layer that incorporates environmental, social and regulatory pressures; and

2. a methodological integration layer that connects decision factors with documented impacts and implementation challenges.

Moreover, this study advances prior theoretical models by making sector specificity visible: instead of relying on cross-industry generalizations, the framework organizes drivers, destinations, effects and barriers according to textile value-chain characteristics such as fast fashion product cycles, labor-intensive productive stages and technology adoption gaps in small and medium enterprises. In doing so, the framework does not simply summarize previous models, but repositions them within a multidimensional structure that links strategic motivations, operational outcomes, contextual constraints and analytical approaches. This theoretical enhancement provides a clearer explanatory logic for understanding how relocation processes reconfigure textile production systems in practice and offers a more comprehensive basis for comparative studies across industrial and geographical settings.

The findings contribute to theory, policy and practice by offering an integrated view of textile reshoring and nearshoring. The study advances relocation theory through a unified framework that incorporates strategic, operational, organizational, cultural, social and technological factors, enhancing understanding of global value chain reconfigurations.

Methodologically, the study addresses key gaps identified in the literature, particularly the limited integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Unlike previous research, such as Li et al. (2025), which classify decision factors using isolated frameworks, this study proposes an integrative model encompassing factors, effects, challenges and methodologies. This approach allows for a more robust basis for comparative analysis across different industrial and geographical contexts. The findings highlight the inadequacy of linear models to fully capture the dynamics of relocation, suggesting the need for multidimensional and adaptive strategies.

Politically, the results provide concrete guidance for strengthening industrial policy through alignment with established regulatory frameworks. The evidence supports the development of relocation policies consistent with the European Union’s EU Industrial Strategy and its Textile Strategy for Sustainability and Circularity, which emphasize shorter supply chains, regional production and reduced environmental impact. Likewise, the findings resonate with the US CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which promote domestic manufacturing and supply-chain resilience through financial incentives, innovation funding and regulatory simplification. In emerging economies, the insights align with frameworks such as Mexico’s Nearshoring Promotion Agenda and Brazil’s Nova Industrial Brasil, both of which encourage regional production, digital transformation and sustainable industrial upgrading.

In this context, the results indicate that relocation policies should prioritize:

• regulatory streamlining to reduce bureaucratic barriers for returning textile firms;

• targeted fiscal incentives such as tax credits, accelerated depreciation or innovation grants to support technology adoption and local reintegration;

• trade agreements that facilitate regional value-chain integration; and

• public private initiatives to strengthen skills development, sustainability certifications and digital infrastructure.

These actions position relocation not merely as an industrial adjustment, but as a strategic instrument for competitiveness, environmental performance and regional development.

Practically, the findings highlight the need for businesses to evaluate economic, environmental and organizational factors, strengthen change management, digital adoption and strategic planning and invest in training and infrastructure. Relocation emerges as a proactive strategy for long-term resilience, supported by the proposed conceptual framework for academia, policy and industry.

The limitations of this study are primarily methodological in nature and concern the scope of the results obtained. A preliminary constraint pertains to the selection of sources, as the analysis was based exclusively on indexed databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. This decision, while ensuring academic quality, could result in the exclusion of relevant studies published on other platforms or nonindexed technical documents. Furthermore, the selection criteria exhibited a clear bias toward research with explicit focuses on reshoring and nearshoring in the textile industry. This exclusionary approach effectively precluded potentially useful studies that focused on related sectors or general industrial relocation.

Another limitation pertains to the methodological diversity of the included studies. The heterogeneity of approaches, theoretical frameworks and units of analysis complicates the establishment of homogeneous comparisons or conclusive generalizations. The presence of diversity gives rise to limitations in interpretation, insofar as certain findings are contingent upon the specific realities of particular contexts.

The geographical scope of the study is subject to certain limitations. Despite the incorporation of research from various international sources, a notable concentration was observed within European and Asian contexts. This concentration is indicative of a paucity of research in relation to relocation processes in regions such as Latin America and Africa. It is submitted that such regions may harbor distinct dynamics that merit exploration in future research.

Although the conceptual framework proposed in this study is theoretically grounded, a visual alignment of its components with existing theories such as the Eclectic Paradigm, supply-chain resilience models or global value chain governance was not included. The absence of a comparative figure or matrix limits the reader’s ability to immediately observe structural differences and theoretical overlaps. Future research should therefore develop a visual comparative scheme to explicitly map how each element of the framework expands, complements or challenges reference theories in the relocation literature.

It is recommended that future research addresses the identified gaps and methodological limitations through the execution of sector-specific empirical studies on reshoring and nearshoring in textiles. These studies should be differentiated by product type, company size and technological level. The utilization of local and regional case studies, particularly in underrepresented areas such as Latin America, Africa and peripheral Asia, is imperative for the contextualization of global findings and the formulation of policies that are adapted to each environment.

Key lines of enquiry include the exploration of the correlation between relocation and digital transformation, the assessment of how automation and digitalization influence location decisions, and the generation of insights into novel industrial configurations. Furthermore, environmental impacts must be given due consideration, with integrated frameworks, such as life cycle analysis or input-output models tailored to textiles, being used to ensure that production is aligned with sustainability goals. Advances in methodology should be directed toward the integration of models, the undertaking of comparative analyses, the implementation of longitudinal designs and the utilization of mixed methods, with a view to enhancing the robustness of the evidence base and consolidating research on the subject of textile relocation.

Although Figure 7 presents an integrative conceptual framework tailored to the textile industry, it does not explicitly differentiate between innovative contributions and concepts already established in the relocation literature, such as nearshoring and reshoring definitions, drivers and outcomes. This limits the clarity with which the framework situates novel elements in relation to well-known constructs. Future versions of the figure should incorporate clearer conceptual boundaries and explicit labels that distinguish original contributions from preexisting theoretical and managerial principles, thereby allowing readers to visually recognize what aspects of the model extend, synthesize or update conventional relocation approaches.

The conclusions of this study highlight the strategic significance of reshoring and nearshoring as transformative levers for the textile industry. Far from being short-term or reactive responses, these relocation strategies emerge as structural decisions shaped by contemporary global dynamics, including geopolitical shifts, technological transitions and sustainability imperatives. The evidence demonstrates that reshoring and nearshoring can strengthen local productive networks, revitalize industrial capabilities and reconfigure value chains in ways that enhance resilience and competitiveness. This positions the phenomenon not merely as an operational adjustment but as a strategic pathway for industrial renewal.

A key contribution of this study lies in transcending reductionist interpretations centered solely on cost minimization or geographic proximity. By adopting an integrative framework, the research reveals that effective relocation decisions depend on the alignment of firm-level strategies, public policies and technological capacities. This multidimensional perspective advances the understanding of reshoring and nearshoring as complex processes that require coordinated action across institutional, economic and innovation systems.

To make the academic contribution more explicit, we added a clarifying statement outlining how this synthesis advances existing paradigms. Specifically, the review expands relocation debates by linking strategic drivers with sustainability transitions and methodological diversity, areas that remain fragmented in prior research. In doing so, the study not only consolidates dispersed evidence but also challenges linear interpretations of reshoring based solely on cost or geography, aligning the discussion with contemporary debates on resilient regional production, digitalization and policy-driven industrial transformation.

The findings also underscore the importance of broadening the geographical and analytical scope of future research. Incorporating perspectives from developing regions and capturing the experiences of local actors especially small and medium-sized textile firms will be essential to build a more complete understanding of global relocation patterns. Moreover, further empirical studies should examine how technological upgrading, sustainability transitions and supply chain digitalization interact with relocation strategies in diverse contexts.

Ultimately, this study contends that reshoring and nearshoring represent strategic opportunities to reimagine the future of textile production through a lens that integrates economic efficiency, environmental responsibility and long-term resilience. By consolidating comprehensive analytical frameworks and strengthening cross-sector collaboration, the industry will be better positioned to navigate the structural challenges ahead and to design more sustainable, balanced and competitive production systems.