Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 32.2K Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has insisted that Rwanda will proceed with its plan to phase-out importation of second-hand clothes despite threats from the U.S. that the move could lead to a review of his country’s eligibility for duty-free access to the American market. President Kagame recently made the remarks while addressing a news conference moments after submitting his nomination papers to the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART); an association of textile companies in the United States of America (USA); members argue that the decision by the East African Community (EAC) to ban imports of used clothing and footwear is imposing significant economic hardship on the USA’s used clothing industry. The petitioners argue that the ban directly contradicts requirements that AGOA beneficiaries work towards eliminating “barriers to United States trade and investment” and promote “economic policies to reduce poverty”. More Articles You Would Love #MUSICVID: Davido & Kizz Daniel Serve Another Amazing Afrobeats Banger In An Architecturally & Culturally Impressive This Week’s Beauty Look Inspos Are Everything Stunning, From The Perfect Eyebrows To Sexy Lip Colours The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has, as a result, initiated a review of the eligibility of Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania to receive benefits under AGOA. The EAC nations are one of the most important markets for U.S. industry’s used clothing exports with direct American exports to the EAC member countries totaling approximately $24 million in 2016. U.S. imports under AGOA totaled $43 million in 2016, up from $33 million in 2015 while exports were $281 million in 2016, up from $257 million in 2015. – thisisafrica.me It is no doubt the 2nd hand market and process poses as a resolution for poverty, as cheap clothes for those that can not afford, when in reality it is short handing not only our local based creatives but cutting off all the potential employment that could be reaped from their developments. Those that fall short from employment are not only tailors, but it extends to markerters, pr consultants, beneficiaries of advertisements, graphic designers, delivery men, shop assistants and much more. The 2nd hand market is not only an enemy of our fashion creatives, it is an enemy of our economy and our livelihood. Unfortunately, west African leaders are not as hard as that of East Africa, hence why this year Accra Fashion Week is setting trends for Ghanaians to put down 2nd hand clothes and designs, most which are outdated and rejected by westerners. Would you go cheap pretending to be instyle or would you be upgrade and buy quality made in Ghana whilst building your economy? You decide. Rwanda Politics & Fashion Event News, Reviews & Updates Upcoming Events 2nd hand2ndclothingaccra fashion weekaccra fashion week 2017banboycottdesignersfashionpaul kigamirwandarwandan fashionsecond hand Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail Nana Tamakloe Founder of FashionGHANA.com and Accra Fashion Week. I'm grateful you visited, I hope you share, subscribe and share your comments or opinions below. More For You Mozambican Designer Mabenna Unveils Her Latest Masterpiece Look Book For The “Melanin” Collection #fGBrideAndGroom: Ghanaian Doctors Dr. Adwoa and Dr. Kobbie Tie The Knot In Stunning... AI Artist Dana K. Booker Explores The Gorgeous African Beauties Of Columbia In... Nigeria’s Lady Maker Launches The Stunning Look Book For Her Waste To Wonder... Cameroonian UFC champion Francis Ngannou’s 15 Month Old Son Dies #fGSTYLE: Tips On How To Color Code With Your Lover; The African Way #OOTD: Simply Tacha Is Goes Beyond Fierce In Her Medlin Boss Red Fringed... Looking For Ghanaian Kente Bridal Inspiration? Look No Further Nanice Gorgeous AI Wedding... #fGSTYLE: From The Church To The Lounge; Treat Your Sundays With These Trendy... #OOTD: Queen Of Afrobeats Yemi Alade Proves She’s Still The Queen Of African... Leave a Comment Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.