The sector's union says that the strategy focused on producing fabrics and yarns for export is already paying off, and they intend to continue in order to become the region's main supplier.
According to the Chamber of the Textile, Clothing and Free Trade Zone (Camtex), exports of raw materials from El Salvador have grown considerably in the last two years, as between 2016 and 2017 sales increased from $60,000 to $1.2 million.
According to the textile industry union, half of the $2.6 billion exported in 2017 corresponded to pullover sweaters, cotton t-shirts, cotton briefs, synthetic fiber t-shirts and synthetic socks.
The Chamber of Textile, Clothing and Free Trade Zones of El Salvador (Camtex) reported that in 2017 the sector exported $2.617 million worth of clothes, $95 million more than was reported in 2016, which is equivalent to an interannual increase of 3.8%.
The textile guild has stated that 2017 closed with $2.6 billion in exports and an increase of almost 4%, and for this year it plans to achieve similar growth.
The Chamber of the Textile, Clothing and Free Trade Zone (Camtex) exported $2.617 billion during the past year, $95 million more than the value of exports registered in the previous year.
In 2016, the value of imported yarns and textile raw materials in the region amounted to $328 million, equivalent to 89 thousand tons, 6% more than the volume purchased in 2015.
Figures from the information system on the Central American Market for Yarns and Textiles materials, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Clic para interactuar con la gráfica"]
The union of maquila companies estimates that this year exports will grow 10% compared to 2016, reaching $4.5 billion, driven by increased demand in the United States.
According to the Honduran Maquiladora Association (AHM), in 2016 exports of textiles and clothing were worth close to $4.1 billion, and this year it is hoped the figure will go up to $4.5 billion.
To compensate for the loss of market which is expected once the Transpacific Agreement takes effect, the textile industry intends to resume FTA negotiations with the northern country.
A free trade agreement with Canada would allow the exporting textile companies to enter a market with high potential, since according to theexecutive director of Camtex, Patricia Figueroa, the country imports more than $14,000 million a year in textiles products and confection of synthetics such and towels, carpets, curtains and tablecloths. "
The non-renewal of export licenses is the first in a series of negative consequences for Nicaragua for the expulsion of two customs consultants and academics who came to discuss the project of the Grand Canal.
Nicaragua has been left with unrenewed certificates for exports of coffee and textiles to the United States after the government decided to expel three US government officials.
An extension has been granted, until July 30, on the charging of a tariff imposed by Colombia on footwear, textiles and clothing coming from the Colon Free Zone.
Colombia's decision to extend the collection of mixed tariffs on imports of footwear, textiles and clothing from the Colon Free Zone until 30 July, has caused opposition among Panamanian businessmen.
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.
Invitations have been extended to food and beverage companies, handicrafts, textiles, pharmaceuticals and services to participate in the first "Korea Trade" fair, from 21st to 26th of June 2016 in Seoul.
From a statement issued by Agexport:
Agexoport, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Guatemalan Korean Chamber of Commerce and member of the Export Council of Asia, are calling for Guatemalan companies to participate in the first trade mission "Korea Trade" from 21st to 26th of June 2016 in Seoul, South Korea.
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%. "
The maquila industry approves of the government's decision to apply for formal admission into the agreement, which would improve conditions for textile companies competing with countries like Vietnam.
The Honduran Maquila Association (AHM) is one of the unions in the country which is most interested in being part of the trade union agreement, because the United States is the main destination for its production, and where textiles also come from countries that are already part of the agreement, such as Vietnam.
The Salvadoran Industry Association has unveiled the details of the sectors that exported last year, highlighting the sales of textiles, food and drink.
From a statement issued by the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI):
The Salvadoran Industry Association, ASI, presented the 5th edition of Industrial Ranking for the year 2014, which reveals details of the sectors that exported during the last year.
The main products exported were articles of clothing, accounting for 11% of the total, followed by sugar, with 9%, bananas, with 6%, coffee with another 6%, and precious stones and metals, with 3%.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (-AGEXPORT-):
The Bank of Guatemala has confirmed growth in exports in 2014 of more than 8.1% more than that estimated by AGEXPORT in a report relased in the second week of December last year. This growth comes from overseas sales having recorded $10.833 billion in foreign exchange.