Clothing & Textile
The past three decades have witnessed a significant upgrade and modernisation of South Africa’s textile, clothing and footwear industry. Dube TradePort offers a connected SEZ base for manufacturers serving local, regional and export markets.
Incentives for qualifying clothing and textile enterprises
Clothing and textile operators in the precinct can leverage targeted Special Economic Zone incentives that improve long-term operating conditions and strengthen manufacturing competitiveness.
Corporate tax
Preferential 15% corporate tax for qualifying entities.
Building allowance
10% per annum for qualifying buildings and fixed structures.
Employment incentives
Targeted incentives for lower-salary workers.
Customs-controlled area
Import duty rebates for production inputs and VAT exemptions under specific qualifying conditions.
Dube TradePort connectivity supports export-led manufacturing
King Shaka International Airport lies at the heart of Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, providing direct access to domestic, regional and international markets.
Durban is connected to multiple destinations across Africa and beyond, helping clothing and textile businesses move time-sensitive product into retail and export channels with greater speed.
Export routes for value-added production
South Africa is the world’s largest mohair producer and the fifth largest producer of wool, while trade strategies continue to support growth in clothing, textile, footwear and leather exports.
Competitive labour and raw material access
The sector benefits from competitive local labour costs together with access to natural fibre raw materials, helping support cost-conscious manufacturing and supply-chain resilience.
Local industry indicators that support sector growth
The South African clothing, textile, footwear and leather value chain continues to show scale, retail demand and employment relevance across the market.
Local manufacturers
Retailer supply share targeted to increase from 44.7% in 2016 to 65% by 2030.
Retail sales
Growth from R165 billion to R250 billion in consistent 2016 rand.
Retail purchases
Rising retail demand continues to reinforce domestic manufacturing opportunity.
CTFL imports
Imports stabilising at roughly R40 billion.
Employment
Potential for more than 121 000 additional jobs across manufacturing and retail segments.
Raw material pathways for diversified production
South Africa’s access to cotton, leather, vegetable fibres, wool and mohair creates multiple production routes for textile, footwear and advanced material applications.
Cotton
South African cotton production has increased sharply, creating stronger supply-side support for downstream textile manufacturing.
Leather
Local raw materials support footwear manufacturing across both lower-cost and premium categories.
Vegetable fibres
Natural fibres such as flax and hemp are growing in relevance for technical and lightweight applications.
Wool & mohair
South Africa remains the world’s largest mohair producer and one of the leading wool producers globally.
Ready to explore clothing and textile opportunities in the precinct?
Review available sites, assess the incentive environment and speak to the investment team about a manufacturing or distribution base at Dube TradePort.
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