The rush to Bangladesh began in earnest in 2005, when an international trade quota system called the Multi Fiber Arrangement expired, lifting the strict limit on the amount of textiles and garments developing countries could export to developed countries.

WSJ: American Taste for Cheap Clothes Fed Bangladesh Boom

Under the Multi-Fiber Arrangement, the U.S. protects its textile manufacturers by imposing rigid import quotas on developing countries.

CNN: SEWING UP A DEAL

When the WTO Multi-Fiber Arrangement was allowed to expire in 2005, lifting quotas on hyper-competitive Asian economies, the effect on African garment producers was severe.

FORBES: Thousands of Jobs Hang On African Textile Trade Deal