Shocked by the use of deadly force against protesters in the country, H&M has stopped placing orders in the Myanmar. The brand has been facing practical difficulties and an unpredictable situation in the country, which is limiting its ability to continue operating there. It has around 45 direct suppliers in Myanmar and has sourced in the country for seven years.

According to the United Nations, police and military killed over 50 people to quell daily demonstrations and strikes against a February 1 military coup. Two protesters were killed by gunshot wounds to the head while shops, factories and banks were closed in the main city Yangon as part of the uprising against the country's military rulers.

Myanmar's garment industry is smaller than neighboring Bangladesh, China and Thailand. However, its 600 factories are significant employers, providing jobs for around 450,000 workers in 2020, according to the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association.