S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.29, July 21 2025
Download PDF
Please note: Click on any ad to go to the advertiser's website
Trademarks
Supreme Court of Appeal rules authentic designer goods cannot be counterfeit
According to recent reports, the local brand holder of the footwear brand Enrico Coveri last month lost an appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) against an importer bringing in genuine, Italian-made Enrico Coveri footwear.
Brand holder Yossi Barel had argued that the footwear imported by Popular Trading cc was counterfeit.
In a split decision, the SCA ruled that authentic designer goods cannot be classified as counterfeit, even if imported without the local trademark holder’s permission.
This has implications for parallel or grey imports.
A more detailed report will be carried in the July issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods, out on Friday.
Tariffs
Tariffs drive US clothing imports from China to 22-year low in May
London/New York (09 July 2025) (Reuters) – The value of apparel imports from China to the U.S. fell in May to its lowest monthly level in 22 years, according to latest trade data, highlighting the impact of steep U.S. tariffs.
China has for years been the biggest exporter of clothes to the U.S., but its share of the U.S. apparel market has fallen as trade relations between the world's two biggest economies soured.
U.S. President Donald Trump ratcheted tariffs up to as much as 145% in April, driving more U.S. retailers to reduce purchases from Chinese factories in favour of Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and elsewhere.
"The sharp decline in U.S. apparel imports from China in May 2025 was anything but natural," said Sheng Lu, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware.
The U.S. imported $556 million worth of clothing from China in May, down from $796 million in April, and the fourth straight month of declines, according to U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) data. The last time monthly imports were lower than that was May 2003.
Earlier in the year, anticipating Trump's tariffs, U.S. retailers stocked up: the value of apparel imports from China in January was $1.69 billion, up 15% from the $1.47 billion a year earlier.
Despite a recent trade deal between the U.S. and China, most leading U.S. fashion companies still plan to reduce their China exposure further, if not totally move out of the country, Lu said.
The same pattern is visible in demand from U.S. retailers for factory inspections. Auditing firm QIMA said its data, based on thousands of inspections and audits worldwide, shows U.S. sourcing from China fell by nearly a quarter in the second quarter from a year earlier, while demand in Southeast Asia grew 29%.
Another early winner was Mexico, according to the USITC data. In May the U.S. imported $259 million worth of apparel from its southern neighbour, up 12% from a year ago.
QIMA said in its note that the shift out of China is not new and Southeast Asia's share of U.S. sourcing has been steadily growing since mid-2023.
"While the U.S. administration’s tariff policies took several sharp turns during Q2 2025, the procurement patterns of U.S.-based brands and retailers have stayed largely within the bounds of long-standing trends established before this year’s escalation," QIMA said.
The coming months may put U.S. supply chains to a new test, QIMA said, as the temporary pause on tariffs for most non-China countries will soon expire, coinciding with the kick-off of holiday season procurement.
Sustainability
SGS to host textile chemical management webinar
Geneva (14 July 2025) – Testing, inspection and certification company, SGS, is to host a complimentary webinar, ‘Digital chemical management for textiles with SGS SMART Cares,’ on 31 July, with sessions at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (GMT +1:00). This event will be suitable for suppliers, such as wet processing plants using chemical formulations, and brands looking to adopt sustainable chemical management.
Chemical-intensive processes in the textile industry, including dyeing, finishing and printing, are under growing scrutiny from consumers, regulators and brands. Complying with evolving regulations and meeting stakeholder expectations requires robust, transparent and collaborative chemical management practices across the supply chain.
This webinar introduces SGS SMART Cares, a next-generation digital platform developed to streamline chemical data management. Presenters Daniel Zhao and Brenda Chiu will demonstrate how the platform enables users to:
* Build a comprehensive chemical database with supplier, inventory and usage records
* Screen chemical substances for restricted or hazardous content
* Develop substitution strategies and generate ZDHC Performance InCheck reports
* Facilitate collaboration between suppliers and brands
SGS is committed to providing one-stop chemical data validation and management services, delivering a more transparent and sustainable model for the textile and footwear supply chain. SGS SMART Cares is a key part of this mission, empowering safer working environments, simplified compliance and accelerated access to global markets.
Find out more and register here
Death notice
David Maisey, former Jordan Shoes Eastern Cape agent, died on 10 July, aged 80, in the UK, after a long illness. An obituary will follow in the July issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods, out on Friday.
In case you missed it!
The July issue of S&V African Leather Magazine
S&V African Leather Magazine Vol19 No7 July 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
03 Sam Setter’s ‘Pills’
- A new quip from Sam Setter in each issue.
04 Upfront
- Automotive leather exports grow, but ‘entire auto industry at risk from U.S. tariffs, warns NAAMSA’s Dr Norman Lamprecht.
- Foot and mouth disease update in SA: Progress, but most quarantines remain. Karan’s Heidelberg feedlot remains closed.
07 An Eclectic View
- LIRI – origins and end. Correspondent H. Procter describes LIRI’s many high points, and laments the failure to stay open in changing times.
11 Leather, Its Image & Its Place In The World
- Celebrating 5 years of sustainable progress. The Sustainable Leather Foundation’s Deborah Taylor takes a justifiably proud look at an eventful period.
13 Weights & Measures
- Compiled by the ISTT.
Development
- Ethiopia’s LISEC project, 8 years on. Time to invest in the Ethiopian leather value chain, says chief technical advisor Yassin Awale.
Advertisers in this Issue
Authenticae (06), International School of Tanning Technology (OFC) (08), Mimosa (04), Rolfes Leather Division (02), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (05), Southern African Footwear & Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) (03), Sustainable Leather Foundation (OFC).
They Said It
"I am still in the footwear business but designing, developing and sourcing for Matas import agency. Still have a long way to go before I can retire." - Wayne Roos, former Bolton Footwear designer.
Got anything you'd like to share?
Do you have any suggestions, comments or experiences about the industry that you'd like to share with the industry? - tony@svmag.co.za
New subscribers last week
Ahmad Raza, Leather Technologist, Ace Leather Tanzania Limited, Morogoro, Tanzania
Praneet, Digital Marketing, AfriHubora, Johannesburg, South Africa
Renato, Sales, Renato's Enterprises, North west, South Africa
Birthdays this week
21/07/1961: Klaus Manock, Manock Naturals, Durban, KZN, SA.
21/07/1965: Gavin Cooke, Rebel Safetygear, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
22/07/1948: Roy Nell, Roy Nell Agencies, Durban, KZN, SA.
22/07/1960: Holger Stutz, Paul Moeller & Co, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
23/07/1940: Errol Schilder, retired, formerly Barker Footwear, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
23/07/1954: Jerome Ingenhoes, retired, formerly Exotan, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
23/07/1956: Rob Peschel, emigrated, formerly Outeniqua Tanning (closed), George, W. Cape, SA.
23/07/????: Reshma Govender, Evolution Engineering cc/Ezweni Shoe Components cc, Durban, KZN, SA.
24/07/1982: Thembi Mazibuko-Kahimbaara, formerly Leather Zulu (closed), Randburg, Gauteng, SA.
25/07/1949: Leslie D'Unienville, retired, formerly agent, Durban, KZN, SA.
25/07/1952: Antoine Lailvaux, agent, Durban, KZN, SA.
25/07/1948: GH Moosa, Riley Trading, Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
25/07/1948: Duncan Naidoo, Lugogo, Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
25/07/1974: Morné Gerber, The Little Slipper Company, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
26/07/1958: Mahomed Shaikh, River Queen, Durban, KZN, SA.
26/07/1977: Craig Kisten Pillay, Topline Manufacturers, Durban, KZN, SA.
26/07/1982: Jameel Cassim, Fashion & Shoe Scene, Gauteng, SA.
27/07/1949: Oli Gardella, retired, formerly Gardella Shoes, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
27/07/1959: Vibeke Dugmore, KKI Leather Marketing, Oudtshoorn, W. Cape, SA.
27/07/1958: Morris Marimuthoo, Allimor Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
In memoriam this week
22/07/1993: Paul Hoch, Edendale Tannery (closed), Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
22/07/1993: Chagan Ratanje, RK Footwear, Harare, Zimbabwe.
22/07/2008: Derek Brown (b. 13/01/1948), Derek Brown Agencies, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
22/07/2021: Sagran Naick (b. 08/01/1965), commission agent, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
25/07/2004: Jules Fisher (b. 19/07/1931), Fashionette Footwear (closed), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
26/07/2019: Cassim Shaikh (b. 30/09/1942), Hopewell Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
26/07/2022: Peter Howard (b. 01/06/1947), left the industry, formerly King Tanning Company (closed), King William’s Town, Pelts Products, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA, and others.
Have you let us know about your birthday, or the birthdays of your colleagues? Our readers love this section, so please become part of it. This also applies to the In Memoriam section. Help us remember former colleagues.
Directory entries updated last week
Matas Import & Export cc, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
RAM Mountaineering Gear, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
Techmelt & Polymers cc, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
 
Exchange rates
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
1. SA Rand (ZAR)/Lesotho Loti (LSL)/Namibian Dollar (NAD)/Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 01/03/2025 |
R19.38 |
R23.50 |
R18.68 |
R 2.56 |
| 08/03/2025 |
R19.73 |
R23.53 |
R18.22 |
R 2.52 |
| 15/03/2025 |
R19.78 |
R23.49 |
R18.16 |
R 2.51 |
| 22/03/2025 |
R19.71 |
R23.54 |
R18.22 |
R 2.51 |
| 29/03/2025 |
R19.88 |
R23.77 |
R18.34 |
R 2.52 |
| 05/04/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.73 |
R19.10 |
R 2.62 |
| 12/04/2025 |
R21.73 |
R25.03 |
R19.13 |
R 2.62 |
| 18/04/2025 |
R21.44 |
R25.00 |
R18.83 |
R 2.57 |
| 26/04/2025 |
R21.23 |
R24.85 |
R18.65 |
R 2.56 |
| 03/05/2025 |
R20.79 |
R24.42 |
R18.40 |
R 2.53 |
| 10/05/2025 |
R20.47 |
R24.20 |
R18.19 |
R 2.51 |
| 17/05/2025 |
R20.14 |
R23.96 |
R18.04 |
R 2.50 |
| 24/05/2025 |
R20.28 |
R24.12 |
R17.84 |
R 2.48 |
| 02/06/2025 |
R20.42 |
R24.23 |
R17.89 |
R 2.48 |
| 05/06/2025 |
R20.26 |
R24.06 |
R17.78 |
R 2.47 |
| 14/06/2025 |
R20.73 |
R24.35 |
R17.94 |
R 2.49 |
| 21/06/2025 |
R20.75 |
R24.23 |
R18.01 |
R 2.50 |
| 28/06/2025 |
R20.88 |
R24.46 |
R17.82 |
R 2.48 |
| 05/07/2025 |
R20.70 |
R24.00 |
R17.58 |
R 2.45 |
| 12/07/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.18 |
R17.90 |
R 2.49 |
| 19/07/2025 |
R20.60 |
R23.78 |
R17.72 |
R 2.46 |
2. Botswana Pula
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 01/03/2025 |
14.29 |
17.32 |
13.77 |
1.89 |
| 08/03/2025 |
14.78 |
17.63 |
13.65 |
1.88 |
| 15/03/2025 |
14.83 |
17.62 |
13.62 |
1.88 |
| 22/03/2025 |
14.74 |
17.60 |
13.62 |
1.87 |
| 29/03/2025 |
14.71 |
17.57 |
13.58 |
1.87 |
| 05/04/2025 |
15.17 |
17.92 |
13.85 |
1.90 |
| 12/04/2025 |
15.78 |
18.18 |
13.90 |
1.90 |
| 18/04/2025 |
15.67 |
18.27 |
13.76 |
1.88 |
| 26/04/2025 |
15.67 |
18.33 |
13.77 |
1.89 |
| 03/05/2025 |
15.39 |
18.08 |
13.62 |
1.87 |
| 10/05/2025 |
15.28 |
18.06 |
13.58 |
1.87 |
| 17/05/2025 |
15.11 |
17.98 |
13.54 |
1.87 |
| 24/05/2025 |
15.34 |
18.26 |
13.49 |
1.87 |
| 02/06/2025 |
15.30 |
18.16 |
13.40 |
1.86 |
| 05/06/2025 |
15.28 |
18.15 |
13.41 |
1.86 |
| 14/06/2025 |
15.46 |
18.16 |
13.38 |
1.86 |
| 21/06/2025 |
15.43 |
18.02 |
13.39 |
1.86 |
| 28/06/2025 |
15.60 |
18.27 |
13.31 |
1.85 |
| 05/07/2025 |
15.58 |
18.07 |
13.23 |
1.84 |
| 12/07/2025 |
14.77 |
17.07 |
12.64 |
1.76 |
| 19/07/2025 |
16.22 |
18.72 |
13.95 |
1.94 |
3. Malawian Kwacha (MWK) (buying)
Source: https://www.rbm.mw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
1836.44 |
2224.46 |
1717.02 |
95.68 |
| 08/03/2025 |
1912.31 |
2278.93 |
1717.02 |
97.50 |
| 15/03/2025 |
1917.62 |
2286.82 |
1717.02 |
96.82 |
| 22/03/2025 |
1916.03 |
2286.89 |
1717.02 |
97.27 |
| 29/03/2025 |
1907.36 |
2287.95 |
1717.02 |
97.04 |
| 05/04/2025 |
1956.35 |
2309.52 |
1717.02 |
93.40 |
| 12/04/2025 |
2004.45 |
2308.11 |
1717.02 |
91.33 |
| 18/04/2025 |
2009.58 |
2339.94 |
1717.02 |
93.66 |
| 26/04/2025 |
2006.57 |
2351.62 |
1717.02 |
94.02 |
| 03/05/2025 |
2002.68 |
2353.74 |
1717.02 |
96.02 |
| 10/05/2025 |
1988.00 |
2342.77 |
1717.02 |
97.06 |
| 17/05/2025 |
1983.41 |
2357.10 |
1717.02 |
98.16 |
| 24/05/2025 |
2000.56 |
2377.61 |
1717.02 |
98.49 |
| 02/06/2025 |
2017.01 |
2393.35 |
1717.02 |
98.73 |
| 05/06/2025 |
2022.14 |
2396.01 |
1717.02 |
99.61 |
| 14/06/2025 |
2040.88 |
2395.83 |
1717.02 |
98.50 |
| 21/06/2025 |
2037.88 |
2384.86 |
1717.02 |
98.25 |
| 28/06/2025 |
2070.95 |
2429.43 |
1717.02 |
99.17 |
| 05/07/2025 |
2082.80 |
2416.70 |
1717.02 |
100.70 |
| 12/07/2025 |
2065.11 |
2393.71 |
1717.02 |
99.44 |
| 19/07/2025 |
2054.50 |
2372.84 |
1717.02 |
99.43 |
4. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) (buying)
Source: https://www.boz.zm/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
29.67 |
35.91 |
28.51 |
1.54 |
| 08/03/2025 |
31.07 |
36.95 |
28.59 |
1.57 |
| 15/03/2025 |
31.17 |
37.02 |
28.61 |
1.57 |
| 22/03/2025 |
31.21 |
37.25 |
28.82 |
1.58 |
| 29/03/2025 |
30.80 |
36.95 |
28.55 |
1.57 |
| 05/04/2025 |
30.69 |
36.18 |
27.84 |
1.46 |
| 12/04/2025 |
32.17 |
37.01 |
28.19 |
1.46 |
| 18/04/2025 |
28.42 |
37.65 |
32.29 |
1.51 |
| 26/04/2025 |
31.80 |
37.33 |
28.02 |
1.48 |
| 03/05/2025 |
31.59 |
37.06 |
27.84 |
1.51 |
| 10/05/2025 |
29.81 |
35.19 |
26.47 |
1.45 |
| 17/05/2025 |
30.02 |
35.64 |
26.82 |
1.48 |
| 24/05/2025 |
30.95 |
36.89 |
27.34 |
1.52 |
| 02/06/2025 |
30.13 |
35.83 |
26.59 |
1.48 |
| 05/06/2025 |
28.79 |
34.19 |
25.29 |
1.42 |
| 14/06/2025 |
28.00 |
32.89 |
24.32 |
1.34 |
| 21/06/2025 |
26.59 |
31.18 |
23.10 |
1.28 |
| 28/06/2025 |
27.76 |
32.49 |
23.66 |
1.32 |
| 05/07/2025 |
28.57 |
33.11 |
24.25 |
1.37 |
| 12/07/2025 |
27.16 |
31.38 |
23.24 |
1.29 |
| 19/07/2025 |
26.77 |
30.91 |
22.95 |
1.29 |
5. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Source: Source: https://www.rbz.co.zw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US$ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
ZIG 27.59 |
ZIG 33.42 |
ZIG 26.56 |
ZIG 0.69 |
| 08/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.79 |
ZIG 34.32 |
ZIG 26.64 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 15/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.91 |
ZIG 34.51 |
ZIG 26.66 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 22/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.90 |
ZIG 34.52 |
ZIG 26.70 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 29/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.85 |
ZIG 34.60 |
ZIG 26.74 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 05/04/2025 |
ZIG 29.68 |
ZIG 35.06 |
ZIG 26.78 |
ZIG 0.70 |
| 12/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.29 |
ZIG 34.88 |
ZIG 26.81 |
ZIG 0.72 |
| 18/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.44 |
ZIG 35.41 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.71 |
| 26/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.38 |
ZIG 35.62 |
ZIG 26.80 |
ZIG 0.70 |
| 03/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.33 |
ZIG 35.71 |
ZIG 26.81 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 10/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.11 |
ZIG 35.49 |
ZIG 26.84 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 17/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.11 |
ZIG 35.79 |
ZIG 26.86 |
ZIG 0.67 |
| 24/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.45 |
ZIG 36.18 |
ZIG 26.89 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 02/06/2025 |
ZIG 30.60 |
ZIG 36.31 |
ZIG 26.92 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 05/06/2025 |
ZIG 30.79 |
ZIG 36.54 |
ZIG 26.94 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 14/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.06 |
ZIG 36.50 |
ZIG 26.97 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 21/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.10 |
ZIG 36.42 |
ZIG 26.99 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 28/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.48 |
ZIG 36.97 |
ZIG 26.93 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 05/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.68 |
ZIG 36.78 |
ZIG 26.89 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 12/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.35 |
ZIG 36.40 |
ZIG 26.83 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 19/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.13 |
ZIG 35.96 |
ZIG 26.80 |
ZIG 0.66 |
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (18 July 2025) – The current average hide price decreased by 0.09% to R2.4704/kg from R2.4727/kg a week ago. The current price is 0.03% higher than the average price a month ago and was 10.6% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.00 Maximum price: R2.91. Please note: Our methodology weighs the prices we collect according to the number of hides they sell in a month. This is done to make it more representative of the prevailing market price. NB* Hide prices are determined by the average of the RMAA (Red Meat Abattoir Association) and independent companies. - Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist, Nkhensani Mashimbyi, agricultural economist, and Zama Sangweni, agricultural economist, ABSA group.
Note: For previous prices, see HERE
Have a look at these links
We invite businesses to send us links to websites, Facebook pages and the like which they feel would be of interest to others. The links below are from our database:
Heypher, Accra, Ghana. PPE distributor.
Hi-Tec Sports Distributors, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA. Footwear brand
CLASSIFIED ADVERTS
Corrida Shoes
We are seeking an experienced CAD Operator with at least 5 years’ NAXOS experience who is well-seasoned in the shoe manufacturing industry. Candidates must be deadline driven with the ability to work under pressure and deliver on time whilst being quality conscience and meticulous. This position calls for a confident decision maker and problem solver. Someone who is highly dedicated and passionate about shoe making and design!
Candidates must know and understand:
- How to measure last increments and apply to NAXOS
- Grading
- Sample chasing
- Different types of restrictions on NAXOS
- How to put shoes, boots and sandals together
- How to inspect quality
- FC4 cutting procedures
- ZUND and the cutting of markers and knife copies
- Sole, Last and mould development
- Standards and how to digitize and dissect standards
Remuneration: Commensurate with experience
Please submit your CV to Lisa Ramluggan (HR) by 25th July 2025, either hand delivered or email to hr@corridashoes.co.za If you have not heard back from us within two weeks of your application, please deem your application unsuccessful.
Corrida (PTY) Ltd is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and this position is an employment equity position and open to such applications.
THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!
Imports: Tough market worsened by poor logistics
In case you missed it!: The July issue of S&V African Leather Magazine
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.10 No.30, July 22 2024
THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!
Retail last week
- Only brands are selling
- At least someone’s benefitting from alcohol ban
- Customers ‘not coming into CBD’
Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) - Richemont: Trading update
- TFG - underwritten renounceable rights offer
- TFG: Trading update and potential acquisitions
- Truworths: Business update
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.29, July 20, 2020
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
All the past S&V Weekly Newsletters from January 2016 onwards are available in the newsletter archive.
VIEW THE ARCHIVE - CLICK HERE
Contact us
News & Classifieds: Tony Dickson, +27 (0)31 209 7505, tony@svmag.co.za
Next newsletter: Monday 28 July, 2025. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 25 July.
SAFLIA enquiries: Tel 0800SAFLIA * Email info@saflia.co.za * Website http://www.saflia.co.za
Our website www.svmag.co.za
|
