The volatility of the market has intensified even more since The Agreement on Textiles and Clothing was passed on the 1st of January 2005 by the World Trade Organisation. The aim of the agreement was to create equality and complete freedom of trade for the global textiles market. Instead, the offset of this agreement, has been that China has basically taken over the global market completely. Almost all of the major textile markets such as the South African market have since been flooded by Chinese Exportation as their labour and importation costs are the cheapest on the market. Instead of creating an opportunity for developing countries such as South Africa to capitalise on the textiles market, it has done quite the opposite.
This agreement has somewhat been forgotten as everyone involved has had to adapt because their was no possible way of competing with China.We need to understand how this agreement continues to influence the market and what is the current state of the market is as we are about to enter this market. One cannot enter the market with no bearings, we would be like a sailor without a compass.
As young designers our ability and knowledge cannot stop after designing and the construction of clothing. We need to understand the ins and outs in order to assess what the best possible approach to entering the South African fashion industry would be with regard to our interests, strengths, opportunities and development.With talent, ability, knowledge and understanding of your trade and it's direct surroundings and influences you are more likely to find success as a designer.
Here is a link to a case study of the South African Fashion Industry. It gives a complete insight into the industry and should be read if you are in anyway involved in, or influenced by, the South African Fashion industry. http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/market-research-industry-reports/a-research-study-on-south-african-fashion-industry/a-research-study-on-south-african-fashion-industry2.asp
