Trade Hub Contributes to SADC Experts Group on Rules of Origin in Textiles and Apparel

On May 25-26, Kathleen Montgomery, Regional Integration Specialist, presented to the SADC Experts Group on Rules of Origin in Textiles and Apparel the preliminary results of a study on Textile Capacity in the SADC Region. SADC Rules of Origin currently specify that most textiles and apparel undergo a stringent double transformation process in order to qualify for preferential treatment under the SADC Protocol on Trade. For apparel, this requires that all fabric for the production of garments be sourced within the region. The Experts Group is currently debating alternatives to the double transformation rule. Following the last Experts Group meeting in January 2011, SATH was asked to develop a study on textile capacity within the region to assess the feasibility of regional sourcing. This study was developed by Mark Bennett, Cotton, Textile & Apparel Value Chain Specialist, and Kathleen Montgomery. Initial data was received from Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. In the next month, SATH will work with the SADC Secretariat and Member States to complete the survey with data from the remaining Member States.