Senior Research Fellow, Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Edoun, E.I., Senior Research Fellow, Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Netshiozwi, E.E., Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
This paper is set to generate some empirical perspective on the impact of Chinese imports on employment levels in the South African textile industry. Using regression analysis as a method of inquiry, this paper critically assesses the relationship that exists between textile imports and employment levels as well as between exchange rates and employment levels. South Africa's imports data, employment data and exchange rate (South African Rand per Chinese Yuan) for the period from 1993 to 2011 are used to analyze the relationship between high level of imports from China and employment levels in the industry. Initial findings reveal that an increase in the value of textile imports from China will cause a decline in employment levels in the South African textile industry.