South Africa Targets China’s Amazon With Huge Tariff on Clothing Imports

Africa’s biggest economy says new tax on imported clothing will close loopholes exploited by Chinese companies.

Workers sort packages for delivery at a JD.com warehouse in Beijing on Nov. 11, 2024, known as the Singles' Day shopping festival in China. Wang Zhao/ AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—South Africa has introduced a 45 percent tax on all clothing imports, with the measure aimed specifically at “exploitative” online marketplaces based in China.

Labor unions say the tariff will protect the local clothing manufacturing industry and save thousands of jobs.