Trade in used-clothing has become big business in some African countries, contributing to employment for many people who earn their livelihood from the business.

Global trade exceeded US$3.7 billion in 2016; a decline of 2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over a five-year period (2012-2016); Africa has consistently imported US$1 billion in used clothes over the last 5 years (32% of total world imports in 2016).

62% of total African imports is accounted for by only 10 countries, amounting to over US$600 million in 2016. East African countries feature prominently with Kenya; Uganda and Tanzania accounting for 25% share of total Africa imports of used clothes.

Read more in the tralac Trade Brief: Trade in second-hand clothes: the bigger picture.