Local clusters in global chains: The causes and consequences of export dynamism in Torreon's blue jeans industry

Using a case study of the export-oriented blue jeans industry in Torreon, M exico, the authors discuss the role of US buyers in promoting full-package apparel production. While the networks associated with this model yield bet ter development outcomes for firms and workers than those typical of the ma quila industry, the Torreon cluster is not adequately described as a "high road" industrial district. The global commodity chains framework is used to assess the developmental implications of the apparel industry's growth in Torreon. By emphasizing the relationship between producers and foreign buye rs, this approach provides a useful way to bridge the global-local divide i n the literature on industrial clusters in developing countries. (C) 2001 E lsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.