Zimbabwean retailers urge to impose ban on imported clothes

Zimbabwean local industry due to the influx of cheaper products from Asia has been suffering a serious downturn and many companies have been driven out of business. The companies cannot compete because their cost structures are making their products very expensive. As a result, the
Zimbabwe Clothing Manufactures Associations is lobbying Government to impose a ban on finished clothes which is hurting their operations.

Industry players said that they were facing unfair competition from imported products mainly from China and Dubai. Retailers such as Edgars and Power Sales are also importing and this has to some extent caused a degree of tension in the industry.

According to analysts, with the domestic textile industry facing challenges, cheap imports will continue finding their way into the local market.

In June last year, Government banned the importation of second hand clothes and shoes, as part of economy wide measures to facilitate the recovery of domestic industry. However, second hand clothes continue finding their way into the country.

Zimbabwe is spending millions of dollars on importing clothes. At its peak, the industry employed 35 000 but now only boasts a small complement of less than of 5 000 workers, according to reports.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said that the emergence of vending of cheap, low quality and smuggled imports were choking both producers and retailers. Some clothing industry players however said tha the ban on imports will only encourage smuggling and Government should instead, impose appropriate duties.

Zimbawe borders are very porous and banning importation of clothes will only encourage smuggling.

Recent Posts

Trivantage expands Batyline sling fabric line

Trivantage, a leading provider of fabrics, hardware, and accessories, has launched two new additions to the Batyline sling fabric range…

4 hours ago

TESTEX promotes sustainable textile practices

TESTEX has introduced the new Testex Circularity label, designed to support brands and manufacturers by focusing on extending the life…

4 hours ago

Better Cotton to promote sustainable cotton farming in Brazil

Better Cotton has launched a new programme to support the growth of eco-friendly cotton farming and encourage sustainable farming practices…

4 hours ago

INNOVERA shines in Karmuel Young’s convertible design

Modern Meadow proudly announced that Karmuel Young, founder of the Hong Kong-based menswear label, integrated the INNOVERA biomaterial into his…

3 days ago

XYXX launches fast-fry innerwear range with Tactel fabric

XYXX has introduced its latest innovation in men’s innerwear, featuring Tencel-enhanced Tactel fabric that enables fabric to dry up to…

3 days ago

Dhana Inc., Accelerating Circularity to advance sustainability in textiles

Dhana Inc. has partnered with Accelerating Circularity Inc. (ACP), a nonprofit organization focused on developing textile-to-textile recycling systems.

3 days ago