The influx of second-hand clothing trade and its impacts on the growth of the local textile sector in Tanzania

Abstract

In 2016 the value of the world used clothing trade rose from $1.8bn in 2006 to $3.7bn and Sub-Saharan Africa imported around 20 percent of the world's used clothing far more than any other region in the world. Tanzania with other members of EAC agreed to impose huge tariffs on SHC imports and introduced a complete ban on importation by 2019. However, member states retreated their move leaving the future of the textile sector uncertain following threats of economic sanctions from the USA. This study aims at assessing the status of the second-hand clothing trade in Tanzania and its impacts on the growth of the local textile sector. The study applies descriptive design involving qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentary reviews. The study was conducted in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam cities using a stratified random sampling technique. The data collected were analysed using content analysis. The study found that SHC is a lucrative business in Tanzania as 87 percent of respondents use SHCs. Ban of SHC trade is found not to be a preferred solution. It is further found out that SHC trade harms the growth of the textile sector but the failure of the sector cannot wholly be attributed to SHC trade alone. The study recommends for improvement of cotton agriculture, re-regulation of the SHC trade, and enforcing special regulations on the textile and clothing manufacturing sector.