According to Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the country’s textile and apparel exports have demonstrated a compound growth rate of 4% since 1991.
Over the past 22 years, the total value of textile exports has increased to $342 million, while the overall apparel sector has grown from $595 million to $775 million.
“Just 25 years ago, international companies looked to Colombia almost exclusively for garment assembly,” says Proexport President Maria Claudia Lacouture. “Today, businesses from more than 33 countries utilize Colombia’s wide range of apparel products and services, and hundreds of new international buyers visit for business each year.”
Colombia specializes in knitwear and demand for high-performance sportswear items is growing, with a specialized subdivision of Colombian companies focusing on technology and innovation.
With Foreign Trade Associations (FTAs) in force with the United States and Canada, Colombia is currently aiming to access these markets with products that contain added value, setting a new trade model. Additionally, Colombia has a regulatory framework that upholds social and environmental standards.
To further take advantage of FTAs, Colombia hosted two major textile and fashion events that attracted more than 300 first-time international buyers, including a large delegation from the United States and Canada. Some of the most popular products at Colombiamoda, a major fashion event in Medellin, and the 2013 International Children¹s Fashion Exposition (EIMI) in Bucaramanga were bathing suits, lingerie and high-quality jeans.
Proexport Colombia, the entity in charge of trade, investment and tourism promotion, will lead a Business Matchmaking Forum, which will be held Sept. 4-5 in Chicago. The event will match more than 300 Colombian exporters with Canadian and American buyers, and each attendee will have an opportunity to discover Colombia’s products and services.
For more information about Proexport Colombia, visit proexport.com.co/en. — L.M.
