Fashion Blog Pages

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Strengthening Textile and Apparel Exports from Colombia

ProColombia, the government agency in charge of promoting trade, investment, tourism and country brand, has been focused on strengthening textile and apparel exports, which have been in high demand internationally, growing for the past 22 years. By organizing and supporting major industry tradeshows in Colombia and abroad to showcase the Colombian offer, the promotion agency aims to connect international buyers with Colombian exporters, allowing them to gain access to the country’s goods and services.

The total value of exports of textiles has increased to US $342 million during the past 22 years, while the apparel sector in general has grown from US $595 million to $775 million in the same period, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. Colombia has become a world-class destination with added value for the fashion industry.

Upcoming events in Colombia:
  • Colombia Infantil in Bucaramanga [July 8-9, 2015]: Dazziling designs for kids of all ages.
  • Expoasoinducal in Bucaramanga [July 15-17]: Specialized event in medium-high segment footwear for men and women.
  • Colombiamoda 2015 in Medellin [July 28-30, 2015]: The most important apparel tradeshow in Latin America showcasing renowned designers, inspiring collections, and innovative technology trends. Procolombia and Inexmoda are joining forces for the production of Colombia’s Fashion Week.
  • IFLS (Second Version) in Bogota: [July 28-31, 2015]: International Footwear and Leather Show specialized in leather apparel and accessories.
Colombian companies will be also be exhibiting at the following shows in the US:
  • • Miami Swim Show in Miami Beach [July 18-21]: The biggest annual tradeshow in the U.S. for high-end beachwear and lingerie. Colombia will be participating with designers and exporters of Swimwear, Sportswear, Lingerie and Resort. 27 Colombian brands will be showcasing their products.
  • • Texworld USA in New York [July 21-3]:  The largest sourcing event in the U.S. which provides access to buying options for fabric buyers, research and product development specialists, designers, merchandisers and sourcing executives.  Fahilos, Finotex, Herrajes Dudi, Tejidos Gulfer, Vila and Lafayette will be exhibiting at the the Colombian pavilion.
  • • Children’s club in New York [August 2-4]:  The show produced by ENK International features  every category of children's clothing, layette items, fashion accessories, footwear, toys and gifts.
  • • Curvexpo in New York [August 2-4]: The #1 Designer Swimwear, Lingerie and Men’s Show in the U.S. The show features Fall-Winter collections of international brands. Touché, Curve & Co, Salua Atelier Lingerie, Siluet and Fajas M&D will be presenting Colombian offer.
  •  Accessories The Show in New York [August 2-4]:  Event that gathers the world’s top retailers of accessories. 7 Colombian companies will offer their products in a Colombian pavilion.
  • • Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City [August 5-8]:  One of the main sports products shows. During this show retailers have the opportunity to buy innovative gear, apparel, footwear and accessories for outdoor sports.
  • • Swim Collective in Huntington Beach [August 13-14]:   Swim Collective showcases 300 swimwear and resort collections to an audience of swimwear specialty buyers, manufactures, designers and media.
  • • MAGIC in Las Vegas [August 17-19]: A mega tradeshow where over 800 exhibitors showcase the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing. There will be a Colombian pavilion with top Colombian suppliers.
  • • JIS in Miami Beach [October 15-18]: The biggest independent jewelry tradeshow in the Americas. JIS reunites manufactures and wholesalers of the jewelry market.
"Colombia is the ideal textile, fashion and apparel source for the U.S, with a complete package offer, as well as, trims and textiles for underwear, swimwear, sportswear and uniforms,” said Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of Procolombia. “Interested buyers can receive our support and guidance in these events as we are able to connect them with the Colombian exporters”. Colombia’s Free Trade Agreement with the United States has eliminated duties and quotas. These financial incentives, along with Colombia’s technology-savvy, flexible production companies, make Colombia an attractive partner.

Colombia has more than 100 years of experience in manufacturing textiles and apparel for the fashion industry locally and internationally. The country has become a hub in Latin America thanks to its competitive production and quality for the past 10 years. With exports exceeding US $1 million per year, Colombia is becoming one of the most important suppliers in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The country is comprised of a vertically-integrated industry, offering full package that includes design, cut, print and distribution. Its strategic location allows for competitive delivery times, easy access to the U.S. and quick turn-around times.
About PROCOLOMBIA

PROCOLOMBIA is the entity that promotes international tourism, foreign investment, non-traditional exports and country brand. Through its national and international network of offices, it offers support and integral consultancy to clients through service or instruments aimed at facilitating design and execution of its globalization strategy, which seeks to generate, develop and close business opportunities.

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