Independent Research

Masavo Gnonhossou

July - December 2025

“Imported Thrift Clothing and the Earnings of Traditional Seamstresses in Benin” was a microeconomic research project I completed examining the effects of secondhand and imported garments on the earnings of traditional seamstresses in urban Benin, particularly in the Port-Novo and Cotonou areas. Examining the micro-economic tradeoff of cheap clothing and its affects on the local artisans and cultural clothing. Using primary data collected by a local seamstress, Marcelin Gnonhossou, I used cost and price comparisons to analyze changes in producer surplus, market competition, and income stability for informal garment workers. Feel free to reach out if you have any thoughts you would like to share on my work.