The impact that the crisis will have on companies related to the textile, leather and clothing sector in Central America is estimated to be explained, to a greater extent, by the expected drop in sales of carpets and curtains.
The "Information System for the Impact Analysis of Covid-19 on Business", developed by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, measures the degree of impact that the crisis will have on companies according to their sector or economic activity, during the coming months.
With a $41 million investment, a Nike sportswear manufacturing plant will be built in San Pedro Sula.
Businessmen from Grupo Kattán and Corporación Tegra Global, informed that the new industrial site will have an area of 63 thousand square meters and will be located in the free zone of Inmobiliaria Hondurena del Valle S.A. (Inhdelva).
The American Aalfs Uno, which operated in the municipality of Sébaco, in Matagalpa, closed its operations in the country due to a reduction in the number of contracts.
The closure of the company was made official by directors of the Nicaraguan Association of Textiles and Apparel Industry (Anitec), who say it is the first company in the U.S. capital sector to close in the country.
Exports from the Costa Rican textile sector increased from $126 million in 2017 to $136 million last year, a behavior explained by sales of yarns and vinyl.
According to data from the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer) of textile and apparel exports, the year-on-year increase of 8% recorded in 2018 represents a slight recovery, since between 2014 and 2017 a downward trend was reported.
29% of the companies that are dedicated to the design and confection of clothes are less than five years old, 18% between five and 20 years, 24% are more than twenty years old.
A report by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and SMEs analyzes the characteristics of the clothing design and clothing industry in the Dominican Republic, and lists the opportunities in the sector, among which are the frequency of clothing purchases made by Dominican consumers, the obligatory nature of the use of certain garments in institutions due to workplace regulations, the need for school uniforms, the existence of government procurement programs and the influx of tourists, who are potential customers of typical Dominican products, clothing and accessories.
Textile exports in the year exceeded $2.5 billion, an increase of 6% compared to 2014.
From a report by the Chamber of Textile Industry, Clothing and Free Zones of El Salvador:
The growth of exports in the sector in 2015 amounted to $149 million more exports compared to 2014 ($2,403,000), positioning itself as the most important sector in exports with $2,552 exported, accounting for 46% of the country's total exports.
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 the first half of the year sales of textiles and clothing totaled $1.247 billion, with a noteworthy annual increase of 21% in exports of textiles.
Data from the Chamber of Textiles, Clothing and Free Zones of El Salvador (Camtex) indicates that "... textile exports totaled $155 million, 21% more than in the first half of 2014, while ready-made apparel reached $1.092 million, up 5%. "
In order to improve their competitiveness in the manufacturer of uniforms and baseballs Rawlings Costa Rica will move its uniform line to El Salvador, laying off 200 workers.
The company which has operations in Turrialba announced that the main reason behind the transfer of operations is to do with competition.The manager Alejandro Cotter told Crhoy.com that "...
In the first quarter of the year textile exports generated revenues of $192 million, 7% more than in the same period in 2014.
A report by the Bank of Guatemala indicates that as of February articles of clothing were the second most exported product. During 2014 this sector generated approximately $1.5 billion in exports, representing a growth of 12.6% in export volume.
On March 12nd Colombian entrepreneurs in the textile and clothing sector will be gathering in San Jose with Central American companies interested in offering products from the South American country.
It is expected that 70 Colombian entrepreneurs will take part in the event, to be held at the Hotel Real Intercontinental Multiplaza Mall, presenting their textile products to the Central American market.
Textile companies operating in free zones are preparing adjustments such as reductions in production lines in order adapt supplies in the event of the loss of tariff preference level, or TPL.
Although the timeframe for the expiration of the Tarriff Preference Level system with the United States is December 31, several companies are already starting to take steps to adjust their production in anticipation of the agreement not being renewed.
Peruvian negotiators have asked Honduran maquila companies to use thread from the South American country at the same time as demanding that the agreement not contain exclusions.
The United States is the largest supplier of yarn for used by the Honduran textile industry and at the same time is the largest buyer of its production. In the context of negotiations, Peru is calling for more flexibility so that Honduras can the raw material not only from the US but also from the South American country.
Cartex Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Hanes Brands employing 1,250 people in the manufacture of boxer shorts, has announced the consolidation of its production in Vietnam.
The company announced that in order to "optimize" the flow of production, the operation will move to Vietnam, "... since the fabric suppliers are in China, which means a reduction in production costs."
Textile entrepreneurs anticipate an increase in Canadian investment once the trade agreement with this country takes effect on October 1st, 2014.
Daniel Facussé, president of the Honduran Maquila Association reported that "... representatives of three Canadian companies visited the country and showed interest in investing in maquila and buying sportswear.