Philippine garment makers expect 21,000 layoffs as US orders fall

MANILA -- Philippine garment exporters expect to cut around 21,000 jobs this year as orders from the U.S. plunge, prompting workers to call on international brands, including Adidas and Under Armour, to help avert further layoffs.

The mass layoffs come as the local labor market is already in turmoil from lengthy coronavirus-related lockdowns. Adding to pressure on the garment sector, talks on a U.S.-Philippines free trade agreement intended to rejuvenate exports have also stalled.