The used clothing trade, explained.
Practical guides for suppliers, sorting houses and importers: how grading works, what sets the price per kilo, and how containers move between the UK, Pakistan, Africa and Asia.
GradingHow clothing sorting and grading worksEvery used clothing bale on the market has been through the same three passes: separate, grade, and sort by category. Here is what happens at each…Read GradesWhat is grade A, B and C used clothing?The three-grade scale is the common language of the wholesale used clothing trade. Here is what each grade should mean, and the other bale terms you…Read PricingWhat sets the price per kg of used clothing balesUsed clothing bales are priced per kilo, and the spread between two quotes can be large. These are the factors behind the number, and how to compare…Read Trade routesExporting used clothing from the UKThe UK collects far more used clothing than it can resell at home. For charity trading arms, collectors and graders, export is how the surplus finds…Read Trade routesUsed clothing import to Pakistan: EPZ and domesticPakistan is one of the world's largest sorting hubs for used clothing, with most of the trade passing through Karachi. Buyers import by one of two…Read IndustryThe textile recycling supply chain, and where it is headingSecondhand clothing moves through a long chain of hands before it is worn again. Understanding that chain, and the pressures on it, is the starting…Read
§ 01Markets
Trade routes we work on.
MarketUnited KingdomUK-origin secondhand clothing is in demand for its quality and brand mix. Ragtrail works with UK charity trading arms, collectors…Open MarketPakistanFor sorting houses in Karachi and beyond: verified supply from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, bought to your grade and…Open MarketAfricaAfrica is the largest destination for re-exported used clothing, much of it sorted in Pakistan. We connect African wholesalers…Open MarketAsiaFrom South Asia to Central Asia and the Gulf, buyers want stock graded to their market. Ragtrail supplies verified bales to your…Open