Dr Sheng Lu is an associate professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware. With over 50 publications in academic and trade journals, Sheng’s research focuses on the economic and business aspects of the global soft-goods industry (textiles, apparel and related retailing), including international trade, trade policy and the governance of the global apparel value chain. Sheng received the 2014 Rising Star Award from the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) in recognition of his research and teaching excellence. He is also the recipient of the Paper of Distinction Award at the 2014, 2015 and 2017 ITAA annual conference for his study on the textile and apparel specific sectoral impact of mega free trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) and the Regional Comprehensive and Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Sheng received his PhD from the University of Missouri in Textile and Apparel Management in 2011. From 2009 to 2010, he worked with the US-China Business Council in Washington DC, conducting policy analysis and market research for US multinationals doing business with China.