South African clothing retailers plan to reduce dependence on imports

South African clothing retailers plan to reduce dependence on imports

According to foreign media news, South African retailers Foschini Group and Woolworths are increasing investment in local clothing manufacturers to reduce their dependence on Chinese imports and safeguard supply chains that have been disrupted by restrictions on the new crown pneumonia epidemic. The two companies have signed an industry plan that includes a target to source 65 per cent of the goods they need from local manufacturers over the next decade.

Analysts believe that the trend is now that retailers are increasingly buying locally. But South Africa has been unable to fully revive the industry because local retailers "cannot replace all product ranges". The industry also faces shortages of skilled labor and raw materials, and revitalizing the industry would require significant upfront investment.