Four years ago, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Colombia and the US was signed with the sole purpose of stimulating trade, strengthening the business climate, and allowing greater competition.
Today, we can see firsthand the aftereffect of this multilateral trade, where close to 2,059 Colombian companies have exported their products for the first time to the United States from 2012 to 2015. Over the course of four years, exports from non-mining products represented over US$14 billion in goods and services, creating a significant opportunity for Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
ProColombia, the country’s Government Trade Bureau and USFIA Sourcing Supporter, has been particularly strategic in leveraging industries that can create value and accelerate growth through product diversification, quality, and innovation.
This is the case with the textile and apparel industry. It has been one of the most dynamic sectors taking advantage of the trade barriers, which were eliminated with the agreement representing one of the fastest growing industries especially in categories like jeans and shapewear.
You can learn more about Colombia’s textile and apparel offerings during the 27th edition of Colombiamoda (http://colombiamoda.inexmoda.org.co/en/), which will take place in Medellin on July 26-28, 2016. This iconic event is the largest in Latin America, bringing together over 1,703 international buyers. This year, the show will have a larger exhibition space for footwear, leather, and children’s fashion, promotion of innovative Investment and Expansion Models, a dedicated place for bridal fashion, and the comeback of the Trends Forum at beginning of the show.
To complement the business matchmaking efforts, ProColombia supports Colombian companies at U.S. specialized shows, too. Join ProColombia at MAGIC in Las Vegas on August 14-17, 2016, where 18 of the most renowned Colombian brands and suppliers will participate in SOURCING at MAGIC, Curve@Magic, Project, and FN Platform. (USFIA will be there, too!)
Over the past four years, there has been a true value exchange between international buyers and Colombian manufacturers, and ProColombia has created that exchange platform to increase international trade. With over 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, innovative techniques and fabrics, quality and production flexibility. 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.
Procolombia can help buyers locate and establish business meetings with certified Colombian suppliers. Contact ProColombia’s U.S. Textile and Apparel Representative Sylvia Reyes at