But the real crunch will come in two years when duties start to drop more rapidly. It won't be easy, but I am confident the industry can survive. Some analysts predict that more companies are likely to close and thousands more jobs may be lost before a recovery can be effected. The benefits are already evident. But for Romatex, most producers are showing improved profits.
Labour action continues to trouble the industry, however.
While the industry is in turmoil, it's a field day for consumers. You may have noticed, browsing through flea markets and suburban shopping malls, that prices have seldom been more competitive. But if you shop in the right areas, some prices have dropped in both nominal and real terms. Legally declared clothing imports amounted to R420-million last year. According to some estimates, another R400-million can be added for illegal imports.