Zimbabwe's textile industry dilemma: light industry relying on imports

Zimbabwe textile industry officials recently said that Zimbabwe's textile and apparel industry is under pressure from low-standard fabrics. Despite a series of measures to protect local businesses, these fabrics are still pouring into the local market.

Although the legislation has banned the import of second-hand clothing, the government has also implemented import restrictions, but the practice remains widespread. In response, Raymond Huni, secretary general of the Zimbabwe Textile Manufacturers Association, said: "We are facing foreign exchange problems, and cheap textiles are still flooding the local market." He also said that due to these challenges, the industry's performance in 2017 was lower than expected.

In 2015, the Zimbabwean government introduced measures such as tax rebates on key inputs imported by approved textile manufacturers to support local industries. The tax refund covers spare parts, yarns and unbleached fabrics. In addition, the government has removed blankets from the category of products that open general import licenses for a period of 24 months.

Jeremy Youmans, president of the Zimbabwe Apparel Manufacturers Association, said the industry was limited by the lack of access to raw materials. Most raw materials must be imported because only a small portion of the raw materials are produced locally.

“This is especially true for fabrics. For certain structures, certain finishes, and certain color fabrics, only a small amount of 100% cotton fabric is available. For example, 100% cotton denim is not produced here, nor production of 100% of the official shirt fabric shirt "Youmans said," even within the range available, there are supply and quality problems, so we rely on imported raw materials. "

Looking ahead, Youmans expects significant growth in 2018, although this is based on assumptions that support measures are being implemented correctly, including “clothing manufacturers rebates,” which require reforms to make all companies, especially SMEs, Can make full use of it. ”

Huni said Zimbabwe's industrial and commercial enterprises Development is the development of the textile industry and work. He said: "We still hope that with the support of the government and other parties, the textile industry will grow stronger."

The China-Africa Trade Research Center analyzed that although Zimbabwe has been committed to the development of the local textile and apparel industry, it has cooperated with a number of import restrictions. But to this day, Zimbabwe still has to rely on imported raw materials and production equipment to prop up its limited-scale light industry.