Why we cannot support Shein and Temu
Why Bridal Alchemy Supports a Local Boycott of Shein & Temu: The True Cost of Ultra-Cheap Chinese Fast Fashion
In a world where the lure of ultra‑low prices is hard to resist, South African consumers are flocking to platforms like Shein and Temu for bargain clothing. Yet, for businesses like Bridal Alchemy, the long‑term impact of such convenience is anything but affordable. Here’s why we advocate for boycotting these Chinese direct‑to‑consumer giants—and putting local industry first.
The Real Impact on South African Businesses
Recent research by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) reveals a worrying trend: from 2020 to 2024, Shein and Temu formed a growing wedge in our textile, clothing, and footwear sector. In 2024 alone, they generated R7.3 billion in sales—3.6% of the entire R‑CTFL market and 37% of e‑commerce within that sector. This surge corresponded with an estimated R960 million in lost manufacturing sales, 2,818 unrealised manufacturing jobs, and 5,282 unmaterialised retail jobs The Business of Fashion+11Business & Human Rights Resource Centre+11IOL+11.
If these trends continue, over 34,000 South African jobs could vanish by 2030—splitting across manufacturing and retail Bizcommunity+1. These are not just statistics—they represent families, livelihoods, and years of craftsmanship and training that are being eradicated by the convenience of rock‑bottom foreign prices.
Pros of Cheap Chinese Imports—and Why They Aren’t Enough
On the consumer side, lowered prices mean improved access to clothing for lower‑income households and greater purchasing power. Cheap imports are often framed as economic benefits through enhanced variety and affordability Taylor & Francis Online+15ResearchGate+15YouTube+15.
Yet, those savings come at a far steeper price for the local economy. As local businesses shutter, we lose accumulated skills in garment manufacturing, weaken our local supply chains, and sacrifice long‑term industrial resilience. Consumer dependence on imported fast fashion also drives short‑term thinking—encouraging disposable clothing cycles, poorer quality, and environmental degradation The Cool Down.
Shein and Temu’s Growing Local Presence
Even more worrying: Temu has established a local warehouse, lowering delivery times, expanding reach, and deepening its footprint in our market Reuters+12Business & Human Rights Resource Centre+12IOL+12.
Progress at the Policy Level
To level the playing field, South Africa recently closed a tax loophole (the “de minimis” provision) which allowed low‑value parcels to enter with lower duties and no VAT—pressuring local e‑com giants like Shein and Temu to raise prices and allowing local brands to compete more fairly Daily Investor+9Reuters+9The Business of Fashion+9.
Conclusion: Why Local Businesses Must Take a Stand
Cheap prices often blind us to the bigger picture: every bargain bought from Shein or Temu chips away at our local industries, erodes our workforce’s skill base, and accelerates job losses. As a local garment manufacturer, Bridal Alchemy believes that sustainable development, skills retention, and community resilience are worth more than fleeting savings. We urge consumers and fellow businesses alike to reflect before clicking “buy”—and to choose brands that invest in South Africa’s future.
Sources
LSF report on Shein & Temu job losses and market share in South Africa News24+5Business & Human Rights Resource Centre+5The Business of Fashion+5
Projection of 34,000 job losses by 2030 in manufacturing and retail Bizcommunity+1
Benefits of cheap Chinese imports vs. local industrial harm IOL+11ResearchGate+11commoditytradeobserver.com+11
Environmental & economic impact of fast‑fashion models The Cool Down+1
Temu local expansion data YouTube+12Business & Human Rights Resource Centre+12IOL+12
Closing of the de minimis loophole and impact on pricing Reuters