From January to September last year, foreign purchases of clothing and accessories made by companies in Central America totaled $981 million, and 46% was imported from China and the United States.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
Last year, imports of garments and clothing accessories made by companies in Central America totaled $1.505 million, 3% more than what was purchased in 2017.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
It is estimated that Prismar S.A., Corporación de Supermercados Unidos and Alpemusa account for around 17% of the market share in the clothing and clothing accessories business.
Data from the report "Company's Corporate System", complied by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData, provides details on company information based on sector, main activity, volume, imports, exports values, and other relevant data.
Between January and September of 2017, Central American countries imported $977 million worth of clothing and accessories, 14% more than in the same period in 2016.
Figures from the information system on theApparel and Clothing Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In 2016 Central American countries imported $27 million worth of washing machines and parts from China, 14% more than in 2015.
Figures from the information system on the Washing Machine Market and its Parts in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Clic para interactuar con la gráfica"]
In 2016, the value of imported clothing and accessories totaled $1,279 million, 13% less than imports in 2015.
Figures from the information system on the Apparel and Clothing Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with the graph"]
This retail sector in Costa Rica comprises about 248 importers of second-hand clothes who are now looking at the middle class market.
Although the prices of items range from $2 to $10, the large volumes handled by big chain stores make it a profitable business. Between 2007-12, used clothing imports rose by 50%, 87% came from the U.S. and 10% from Canada.