South African component suppliers and manufacturers say many of the hoped-for gains for footwear from the DTIC's Masterplan are being lost because they can't meet the price expectations of some chains.Globally, some component prices have gone up steeply, with the anticipation of more to come. PVC for soling has reached a 35-year high, Sasol says. Synthetic upper materials, almost all sourced from China, have risen 7.5% to 10%, according to a supplier, who said the increases would have been higher if the Rand hadn't strengthened. Leather prices have risen by 14% to 20% since the beginning of the year. On top of it, manufacturers face a higher wage bill depending on negotiations between SAFLIA and unions.
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