During the last few months in Central American countries the volume of searches and conversations on the Internet related to uniforms began to decrease, and by early November the trend was still downward.
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 the context of the crisis in all markets of the region, the interest in formal garments collapsed, but in recent months the amount of digital consumer interactions associated with this type of clothing has begun to rebound.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences 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 operating in the region.
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.
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"]
Trade authorities in both countries have announced that before the end of the first half of this year the trade agreement that has been under negotiation since 2013 could be signed.
This is the third round of negotiations to finalize a Partial Scope and Economic Complementarity agreement between El Salvador and the Republic of Ecuador.
Among the products with the highest export interest from El Salvador are articles of clothing, plastics, candies, chocolates, juices and nectars, and sugar, among other things. Meanwhile, among Ecuador's interests are white goods, ceramics, cocoa preparations, wood, flowers, and bananas, among other things.
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.
Despite the challenges facing the Central American textile industry with the coming into force of the TPP and Asian competition, projections are that there will be growth of 8% in 2016.
The main reason is the decision of the US government to extend for ten years the tariff advantages enjoyed by Nicaraguan exports to the northern country, supporting them against the entry into force of the Trans-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP).
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 "...
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.
On November 8 a seminar will be held in El Salvador to analyze the opportunities brought by CAFTA and the AA to the sector.
The event will be held at Hotel Hilton Princess, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
There will be two conferences, the first entitled "Building on CAFTA-DR" by Rene Salazar, director of Trade Agreement Administration (DATCO).
The second conference entitled "Government Procurement: Opportunities for Salvadoran exports" will be directed by Eliel Hasson, former Chilean negotiator of trade agreements with the United States and Europe.
In April and May, two Peruvian trade mission will visit Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala in search of business opportunities.
The Exporters Association of Peru (ADEX) has organized two trade missions from companies from various sectors and foreign trade students from Peru.
Gestion.pe reports that "the first exploration mission from the imports and logistics sector will be held from 16th to 20th of April in Panama and aims at learning about the trade and development opportunities in this country which trades with the world more than $18 billion and through which passes 14,000 ships and more than 12 million containers a year. "