The changing topology of global textile exports: A network perspective

This paper investigates the changing topology of the global textile export network from 1990 to 2020, using network analysis methods. By examining major centrality measures, including total degree, closeness, betweenness, eigenvector centrality, density, and clustering coefficient, we measure the structural evolution and strategic positions of countries within this trade network over time. Our analysis reveals significant transformations in the network's topology, highlighting the growing disconnectedness and interdependence between nations. The leading countries in the network are Germany, the USA, the UK, India, and China. However, due to the pandemic in 2020, there was a contraction in the inter connectivity and interdependence between countries. Although network density slightly decreased in 2020, the overall trend points to increasing integration and efficiency of information transfer, denoting a resilient and cohesive global trade structure. The study's findings emphasize the need for strengthening competitiveness and strategic planning to manage future shocks and disruptions. Overall, mapping changes in the configurations of the textile export network using centrality metrics provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of global trade inter linkages.