Secondhand Clothing Myth Debunked | Planet Aid

The debate over the impact of secondhand clothing (SHC) on local manufacturing is gaining traction, especially as discussions about environmental sustainability intensify.

A report by Consulting For Africa (CFA) and Abalon Capital Limitada, commissioned by ADPP Mozambique, reveals that the secondhand clothing industry is not only beneficial but essential to countries like Mozambique, where it plays a significant role in employment, public revenue, and sustainable living.

The Importance of Secondhand Clothing in Mozambique

Mozambique, ranked 183rd out of 191 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index, is one of the world's poorest nations. With about 25% of the population unemployed, the SHC industry plays a vital role in the national economy.

The report highlights key contributions of the secondhand clothing industry:

• Employment: The industry supports over 200,000 formal and informal jobs, directly benefiting more than 1 million people.
• Income: Established vendors earn an average of $650 per month, significantly higher than the national minimum wage of approximately $90.
• Access: SHC supplies clothing for more than 85% of the population.
• Public Revenue: Approximately $35 million in taxes, support essential social programs like education and healthcare.

A Cultural and Economic Reality

One of the most persistent secondhand clothing myths is the idea that SHC represents an influx of unwanted goods from the Global North, undermining local culture and industry. 

However, the report refutes this by emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of clothing reuse in Mozambique. The SHC industry is not about "dumping" foreign goods; instead, it integrates into local traditions of passing down and repurposing clothing, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.

As former Mozambican Prime Minister Luisa Diogo notes, the SHC industry is not merely about providing clothing, but offering dignity, opportunity, and economic resilience. It sustains families, creates jobs, and generates significant tax revenue, underscoring the importance of economic diversity for Mozambique and Africa's growth.

SHC and Global Sustainability Debate

The report stresses the need for informed global policy discussions that consider the SHC sector's role in developing economies. Balancing environmental goals with economic realities is crucial. Policymakers should understand the entire SHC value chain, ensuring that sustainability efforts do not disadvantage low-income countries.

The SHC industry has transformative effects, particularly for marginalized groups like women and youths, by providing employment and upskilling opportunities. Restricting SHC trade without considering its impacts could inadvertently favor large exporters of fast fashion, such as China.

A Call for Balance 

The future of SHC imports requires nuanced policy dialogues that integrate climate change, waste management, and sustainability. Rather than viewing SHC as a threat, leaders should recognize its potential as part of a sustainable, inclusive economic system.

The secondhand clothing myth fails to account for:

• The role SHC plays in poverty reduction
• Its contribution to local circular economies
• Its alignment with broader goals of inclusive growth and resource conservation

The Secondhand Clothing Myth Doesn’t Hold Up

Contrary to the common misconception, secondhand clothing does not threaten local manufacturing in Mozambique. Instead, it is a cornerstone of economic resilience and social well-being, offering a model for sustainable development that aligns with the broader green economy objectives of poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

Circular Solutions That Work

Join the movement for a greener future. Donate your used clothing to Planet Aid and support circular solutions that make a real difference.