The Conversation published on 11 January 2024 a commentary titled "Chinese Imports Could Undermine Ethiopian Manufacturing- Leaving Women Workers Worst Off" by Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, University of Guelph, Ruby Acquah, University of Sussex, and Yohannes Ayele, University of Sussex.
China is the largest source of imports for Ethiopia, including inexpensive manufactured goods. Lessons from Ethiopia suggest that cheap imports from China reduce the ability of local manufacturing firms to compete. This, in turn, results in layoffs and lower wages. The authors conclude that women are the first to be laid off work, but import competition also results in lower wages for men.
