Sri Lanka showcases apparel in Brazil

16 Jun '15

2 min read

As Sri Lankan annual apparel exports closed in on the crucial $5 billion mark, South America’s largest apparel market was given a preview of Lankan fashion at the Brazil International Apparel Sourcing Show 2015 (BIAS 2015) in Sao Paulo late last month, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) said on its website.

EDB and joint apparel association Forum (JAAF) officials led a delegation consisting of representatives from six companies to BIAS 2015, the leading international apparel show of Brazil and South America showcasing leading Asian apparel manufacturers for worldwide exports, the website said.

A B2B platform for Asian apparel manufacturers and international buyers, BIAS is also said to be “the biggest meeting place of apparel manufacturers and suppliers of Asia-Pacific focusing on buyers from USA, EU, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. BIAS 2015 showcased products of South Asian countries such as India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka in over 225 stalls. BIAS 2015 attracted buyers not only from Brazil but also from other South American countries such as Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela etc.

Sri Lanka delegation consisted of representatives from Sumithra Garments, Garment Services Meegoda, Rakshaa, Haward Fashions, Fashion Works and Ravi Tharu Holdings. Among the Lankan apparel items showcased at BIAS 2015 were men’s and women’s jackets, trousers, shirts, boxer shorts, men undergarments, women and girls’ blouses, dresses, pants, and casual wear.

Brazil is the largest apparel market in South America. The Brazilian apparel market stood at $42 billion in 2013-14, while the second largest South American apparel market, Mexico, was only $14 Bn in the same period. The EDB and Lankan apparel industry identified Brazil as an important emerging market for Lankan apparels. EDB facilitated the first ever delegation to Brazil in 2014 with the participation of nine Lankan companies. As a result of 2014 B2B meetings, many business contacts have been directly established with Brazilian brands and international brands and retailers.

Sri Lankan annual apparel exports which stood at $4.9 billion in 2014, grew year on year by 9.26 per cent. Sri Lanka exported $18 million worth of apparels to Brazil in 2014. In 2014, Brazil ranked 22nd among buyers of Sri Lankan apparels, the website said. (SH)

Fibre2fashion News Desk – India