During the first six months of 2013 the textile industry sold $1,140 million, $104 million more compared to the same period in 2012.
"The industry has performed well, and that means more jobs in El Salvador," said Doris de Rivera, an economist in charge of the study by the Chamber of Textile, Clothing and Free Zones Companies(CAMTEX).
According to the economist, the maquila subsector grew by 4% with revenues of $424 million, woven fabrics increased 22% with sales of $134 million and garment production rose by 9%.
From January to September this year the Salvadoran textile and clothing sector exported $792.4 million, 6.7% less than in the same period in 2011.
Elsalvador.com reports that "The production of textiles and clothing lost momentum in growth between January and September compared to the same period last year due to a slowdown in the U.S. economy and the fiscal crisis in Europe .
ANEP of El Salvador calculates the trade embargo with Honduras produced $36 million in losses each day for Central America, as calculated globally.
For the Salvadorian textile industry in particular, the border closing meant estimated losses of $1 million in exports and 4,000 workers sat idle, according to calculations from the Salvadorian Chamber of Textile, Confection, and Free Trade Zones Industries (CAMTEX, acronym in Spanish) published in Elsalvador.com. At the same time, the organization estimates that Honduran factories lost $700,000 in exports to El Salvador.
The survey conducted by the Textile Chamber (CAMTEX) among its members reflects the need for $25 million for the sector.
José Antonio Escobar, CAMTEX president, noted that the textile industry will seek a meeting with President-elect Mauricio Funes to inform him about the situation.
In statements reported by Laprensagrafica.com, the director noted: "We believe the new government has understood the priority that our sector needs.
The sector exported $103 million in January of this year, $31 million less than in January, 2008.
An article in laprensagrafica.com reported that Jose Escobar, president of the Salvadoran Chamber of Textiles and Apparel, said, "There is a drop in exports because some US companies had to stop production since late last year due to adjustments of accumulated inventories which caused demand in the country to come to a standstill."
The textile sector foresees a 7% increase in exports for 2009, despite the economic crisis.
La Prensa Grafica published on its website: "However, according to businessmen in the sector, this prospect for growth might not be met due to local bank credit restrictions, not necessarily because of the fall in demand in the North American country.
Jose Escobar, president of the Salvadoran Chamber of Textiles and Apparel (CAMTEX), says that the crisis has not affected orders for manufacturers in the country; rather, they have maintained themselves."
Ricardo Esmahan, minister of Economy, estimates a 25% drop in the last two months of 2008.
According to reports from elsalvador.com "Ricardo Esmahan, minister of Economy, said yesterday that exports from the sector have been affected by the drop in textile consumption, not some much in value but in volume.
Regarding the number of orders, he explained that some business owners have experienced a decrease while others say they have remained constant.