In the first quarter of the year, consumers were no longer interested in this type of clothing, but since April, in the digital environment, interactions associated with children's clothing have been on the rise in all markets in the region.
Through a system that monitors in real time the changes in the interests and preferences of consumers in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets that operate in the region.
In Central America, nearly 4 million people are looking to buy baby and children's products online, and 5% of these consumers are exploring options for purchasing baby food.
The interactive information system developed by CentralAmericaData, monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets of the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
Imports of garments and clothing accessories reached $332 million during the first three months of the year, 3% more than what was reported in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system of the Central American Clothing and Clothing Accessories Market, from the Trade Intelligence Area of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
Last year Central America imported $1.467 billion worth of clothing and clothing accessories, the highest value in the last six years, registering a 15% increase compared to 2016.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Apparel and Clothing Accessories in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In an industry fair to be held in May in Guatemala, organizers expect to generate around $700 million in trade deals.
The Apparel Sourcing Show will be held in Guatemala on the days from the 15th to the 17th of next month. This costume and textiles fair will be backed by buyers and suppliers from Brazil, Spain, Turkey, the USA and China.
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, 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"]
High potential for online shopping in China has brought up opportunities for segments such as bathing suits, where 60% are imported products.
From a statement issued by PROCOMER:
Japan is one of the main entry points to the Asian region and is also a fashion leader, an industry worth approximately $110,000 million. According to a report by ProColombia, Japan imports more than 60% of its swimsuits and it was also found that consumers pay higher prices for these products, making it an attractive market to service.
In 2011 the country imported $251 million worth of clothes, an increase of 12% compared to the previous year.
Examples of some of the data in the report:
Imports of men and childrens shirts increased by 46% between 2010 and 2011, going from $18.1 million to $26.5 million imported in 2011.
Meanwhile, imports of suits, ensembles, jackets (coats), dresses, skirts, skirt-shorts,trousers, breeches, and shorts, and shorts for women and girls increased by 13% between 2010 and 2011, and represented the largest increase in monetary level, going from $66 million to $74.7 million imported in 2011.