Search form

menu menu
  • Daily & Weekly newsletters
  • Buy & download The Bulletin
  • Comment on our articles

African countries ban import of used clothing from Belgium

14:10 16/03/2016

When it comes to donating used clothes to countries abroad, Belgians are very generous. As the world's sixth largest exporter of second-hand clothing, Belgians donate about €172 million worth of clothes annually. In many African countries, however, the hand-me-downs are no longer wanted, writes Newsmonkey.

Ten African countries have already imposed a ban on the import of used clothes from Belgium, the reason being that their own textile industries suffer under the burden of the donated clothing, which is not given away for free in 40% of cases, but sold at prices that the local industry cannot compete with.

Written by Robyn Boyle

Comments

Mikek1300gt

Anybody ever wondered why these textile disposal bins are all over Belgium? Clue, it's an industry here in Belgium and not required where the clothes end up. Charity begins at the tax office, eh?

Mar 16, 2016 16:20