by Stephen Chandisareva.
Harare, Zimbabwe. (News of the South) – Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers’ Association has said the arrival of second-hand clothing on the market has choked local manufactures leaving them on the brink of collapse.
In an interview, Zimbabwe Clothing Manufactures Association President
Jeremy Youmans said second-hand clothing has continued to enter the market creating a huge blow for the local manufactures.
“Second-hand clothing continues to flood the Zimbabwean market, taking a significant share of the clothing market and leaving local manufacturers teetering on the brink of collapse.
“It is impossible for a manufacturer to compete with these garments, as they are sold at prices below the costs of the raw materials used to make them, as they were donated by people to give to the very poor who cannot afford to clothe themselves,” he said.
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He said the government through Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) must make sure all goods are cleared on boarder post
to curb for the flooding of second-hand clothes.
“Many goods come into the country without the correct duties being paid. The international market is not a level playing field.
“Zimra is supposed to apply duty based on its value. From the prices these goods are being sold, it is clear that the system is not working,” he added.
He added that the country should start to appreciate local goods for the economy to grow.
“There is a need for more to be done as the country is still flooded with imports. This is not just a case of the local industry not being able to compete with imports. We will never compete on everything,” he said.
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