East African countries could phase out second-hand footwear imports
Attendees of the 17th summit of the East African Community heard calls for the banning of hides exports, in a bid to support the leather industry in the region.
The directors stated that footwear should be also sourced within the region, where possible, according to reports in local press.
Many tanneries are operating far from capacity as they struggle to fill the drums with local skins, which in many cases have been exported or smuggled to other countries where traders receive higher prices.
"The partner states must procure their textile and footwear requirements from within the region where quality and supply capacities are available competitively, with a view to phasing out importation of used textile and footwear within three years," said a communiqué from the secretariat.
