Segmentation
Dry processing
 • fibre production
 • spinning
 • knitting
 • weaving
 • non-weaving

Wet processing
 • finishing
 • printing
 • dyeing

Vision
To lead the way for the textile industry to the creation of jobs, investment, and exports and to become a world player through joint cooperation within the SADC.

Production Capacity
The textile sector employs approximately 77 000 people and accounts for 3,6% of total manufacturing production (sixth largest manufacturing industry).

Imports
Textile imports declined by 6,3% in the first semester of 1997, compared to the first semester of 1996. This represents 3,1% of total manufactured imports.

The top seven countries of origin of imported manufactured textiles for the first semester of 1997 were: (in order of descending volumes) 1) Taiwan
2) China3) South Korea4) Hong Kong5) Germany
6) India7) Italy.

Exports
Textile exports increased by 43% in the first semester of 1997, compared to the first semester of 1996. This represents 3,2% of total manufactured exports.

The top seven export destinations for South African manufactured textiles for the first semester of 1997 were: (in order of descending volumes)
1) Mozambique2) UK3) USA4) Zimbabwe
5) Hong Kong6) Italy7) Taiwan.

Objectives

•	To create a sustainable export culture in the industries
•	To utilise the expertise of reputable market consultants where feasible and appropriate in this market identification process.
•	To concentrate efforts on products with high added value and products with the best chances of export success.

Export Promotional Assistance
More specifically, and from an operational strategy point of view, the following Action Plan of the Sub Directorate would have to be fine tuned with major stakeholders. This is currently happening:

•	Drawing up a focused industry export profiles
•	Investigating foreign markets with the best potential for certain product groups
•	Implementing an operational export development and global marketing strategy
•	Establishing a South African Clothing and Textile Export Council (SACTEC)
•	Applying diversified marketing support measures to underscore the objectives pursued.