Bangladesh Clothing Industry Appealed For Increased Export To South Africa

According to the latest report issued by the German League of nations, South Africa is mainly concerned about the import of garments.

Statistics show that in the financial year 2009~2010, the amount of garments exported to Bangladesh to South Africa amounted to about 43 million dollars, accounting for 4% of the South African market.

At present, South Africa imports 70% of its total imports from China, and India accounts for 4.7%.

Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, vice president of Bangladesh garment manufacturers and Exporters Association (Nasir Uddin Chaudhry), said that because the South African government had a higher tax rate on imported textile products from Bangladesh, Bangladesh garment exporters must bear relatively high tax pressure, making Bangladesh garment manufacturers unable to compete with other countries with tax reduction regimes.

This is the main limiting factor affecting Bangladesh's clothing exports to South Africa.

It is understood that the South African government stipulates that the importers of clothing and textiles in Bangladesh must pay 40% customs duties, 51% import duties and 14% value-added tax.

Nasir also said that at present, several clothing importers in South Africa have gone to Bangladesh for the purchase of clothing and textile products. If the Bangladesh government does not attach importance to the development speed of this emerging market in South Africa and lacks corresponding support, Bangladesh garment and textile industry will not be able to expand outward.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh garment exporters are also calling on their governments to increase their potential to tap the potential of the South African market, and to make Bangladesh textile and apparel products occupy a place in the South African market by organizing clothing products exhibitions, presentations and increasing diplomatic resources.