SA’s stance on textile quotas comes under fire

‘EU and US have acted' ALAN PEAT HAS THE government gone far enough in protecting the domestic clothing, textiles and footwear industries? That was the question posed by Trade Law Centre (tralac) intern, Takudzwa Fundira, after trade and industry minister Mandisi Mpahlwa said he was not prepared to impose quotas or safeguards on Chinese imports flooding the SA market – despite pressure from the local industry. “The government argues that the industry has failed to adjust and respond to changing international trade dynamics,” said Fundira. Mpahlwa added that it was the duty of the government to consider the totality of the relationship between China and SA, and not textiles alone. He referred to numerous other measures which the government was undertaking to stimulate the economy and create new jobs, which range from reviewing import tariffs on textiles to improving customs inspection to reduce illegal or under-invoiced imports. “But,” said Fundira, “the clothing, textiles and footwear industries in several southern African countries have recently found themselves in crisis. “Local industry has complained that the government is not doing enough to safeguard their interests,” he said, “especially when compared to the European Union (EU) and the US - which both took measures to curb Chinese imports and allow their domestic industry some breathing space.”