In the period 2001 and 2002, following the implementation of Agoa, exports to the USA grew 151%, albeit off a fairly low base. Although the exports in dollar terms may not sound so impressive, ($312million in total - $197million to the USA), it made a significant contribution to South Africa and helped directly create an estimated 12 000 jobs, according to president of the Clothing Trade Council of South Africa, Jack Kipling. Success in prestige stores South African companies have scored some noticeable successes in Europe and the USA in men’s tailored suits, hand-painted children’s wear, in such top prestige stores as Saks 5th Avenue, Private Label production for The Limited, GAP, Nordstrom, J C Penney, as well as innovative chefs’ outfits (Las Vegas Hilton).
