Second-hand clothing crisis
A trade dispute between the U.S. and the East African Community has been raging since the EAC announced sanctions against second-hand clothing imports. This Master's Research Project explores the dilemma posed by free market economics through the perspectives of the winners and losers.
Chapter 1: The journey of Mihir Nayak’s sweater
How did this sweater get from New Jersey, U.S. to Arusha, Tanzania?
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Chapter 2: Why dump when you can donate?
Clothing donations are highly profitable and are a useful way to divert textiles away from the landfill. Reusing clothes is one of the only options for textiles, a method that may be in jeopardy.
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Chapter 3: Used clothing controversy
Second-hand clothes have become a sore point between East African governments and consumers.
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Chapter 4: EAC sanctions hurting North American recyclers, charities
Second-hand clothing had sparked a trade dispute between the U.S. and the EAC. The EAC blames the clothes for hurting local industry, while the U.S. threatens to withdraw AGOA benefits if the EAC doesn’t remove sanctions.
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Chapter 5: Used clothing ban won’t help EAC textile industries
EAC looking to spark textile manufacturing by encouraging citizens to buy local after cutting out second-hand clothes. Experts say this won’t help.
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Chapter 6: Tanzanian consumers and resellers fear loss of used clothes
Used clothing business owners are concerned about EAC’s phase-out of second-hand clothes and what it will mean for their businesses and livelihoods. While consumers are worried about the loss of affordable clothing.
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