The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has officially granted a Chinese company the right to export workwear fabrics for the mining sector, sparking outrage among local textile manufacturers. This decision has raised concerns that it could undermine efforts to revive South Africa’s struggling textile industry.
Marcus Varoli, chairman of the Mediterranean Textile Mill, criticized the move, stating that the SABS and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a certification allowing a Chinese firm to export mining workwear fabrics. He argued that this decision undermines local businesses trying to regain market share and strengthen the domestic textile sector.
According to Varoli, allowing Chinese companies to export such fabrics means shifting job opportunities from South Africa to China, which could further weaken the local industry. He emphasized that Chinese firms have significant competitive advantages, including lower production costs and access to cheaper raw materials.
South Africa is grappling with high unemployment rates, and in 2009, the Ministry of Trade and Industry had proposed incentives to support the textile sector. However, the current decision appears to contradict those earlier efforts. Additionally, Chinese fabric is reportedly 5 to 6 rand per meter cheaper than locally produced materials, making it more attractive to buyers and putting local producers at a disadvantage.
This development highlights growing concerns about the impact of foreign competition on South Africa’s industrial growth and employment. As the textile industry continues to face challenges, many fear that such decisions could accelerate its decline rather than help it recover.
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