Nearshoring

Definition

The practice of relocating manufacturing from distant, low-cost countries to geographically closer facilities. For European brands, nearshoring means manufacturing in Portugal, Turkey, or Morocco instead of Bangladesh, China, or Vietnam. Benefits include shorter lead times (weeks rather than months), lower minimum orders, easier quality oversight, reduced carbon emissions from shipping, and tariff-free trade within the EU. White Cotton in Barcelos is a nearshoring partner for brands across Europe.