In the wake of Brexit, the Mauritius government will launch the Air Freight Rebate scheme known as the 'Speed-to-Market' Scheme (STMS) for its textile and apparel sector. The launch is taking place after due consultations with various stakeholders. STMS will also allow Mauritian textile and apparel exporters to become more competitive in comparison to other countries exporting via air freight to Europe.
The scheme is expected to enhance competitiveness of Mauritian exports in the European market, especially in speed of delivery while providing support to the textile and apparel enterprises facing difficulties due to Brexit. The STMS which will be applicable to the textile and apparel manufacturing companies only, will among others; provide a 40 per cent refund on air freight cost to exporters to Europe including UK; be time-bound for 2 years; and will be operated and managed by Enterprise Mauritius. The refund will be applicable for exports as from 1st April 2017.
The STMS scheme for textile and apparel was announced in the Budget speech 2016-17 by the minister of finance and economic development of Mauritius. Mauritius is the largest African clothing exporter to America and Europe.
