SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF THE INDUSTRY AND GARMENT LOCAL PRODUCTIVE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE STATE OF GOIÁS (2006–2021)

Abstract

This article examines the transformations in the location of activities in the garment industry in Goiás and its implications for supporting Local Productive Arrangements (APLs) in this sector within the state. It employs the Location Quotient (LQ) and delineations based on the minimum number of firms and jobs in municipalities and their surrounding areas to identify garment agglomerations and their transformations between 2006 and 2021. The study concludes that there have been significant changes during this period, most notably the loss of density in terms of jobs and firms in the cores of older, larger agglomerations led by Goiânia and Jaraguá. Additionally, a new major agglomeration has emerged in western Goiás, led by São Luís dos Montes Belos. Unlike the former APLs, which have a strong base of small companies focused on their own brands, this latest concentration is structurally more vulnerable, as most of the firms are dependent on the performance of a single large company that has established itself in the region. The paper argues that understanding this reality is crucial for the resumption of policies promoting garment APLs in Goiás, which have been undermined by multiple crises. This is especially true considering that, on one hand, the scenario of economic recovery with income deconcentration is favorable for the expansion of the state's garment APLs; but on the other hand, Chinese competition continues to pose a significant threat.