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.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Explore

More

AGOA dream dims for local textile sector

The audacity to be a unicorn

Faulty gadgets top complaints to BOCRA

Civil Society fights 'flawed' constitutional amendment

Civil Society calls for Constitution review governing Act

IEC rejects 2,513 registrations

Motshegwa prevails against detractors

Serowe woman ingests acid, attempts suicide

Serowe man 'loses' P1m in trading

Inspect the voters' roll!