AGOA dream dims for local textile sector :: Mmegi Online

Local textile and apparel producers appear to be giving up hope of exporting to the United States under the duty-free AGOA provisions, preferring instead to focus on the local and regional markets, BusinessWeek has established. AGOA is a trade arrangement between the US and sub-Saharan Africa running till 2025 and providing relaxed access to the American market.

Textiles are Botswana’s primary export under AGOA.

From a peak of P1.8 billion in textile AGOA exports by local firms in 2008, the figure last year was estimated at about P30,000. In the same year, however, total textile exports were pegged at P233 million or 29% higher than 2017, showing that exports were growing but not to the US. Investment, Trade and Industry minister, Bogolo Kenewendo told BusinessWeek that the US remained an important market for local textiles, despite the challenges faced by producers.

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