The high volume of textiles and garment imports is adversely impacting the Colombian companies in the sector.
In recent months, the volume of Colombian imports has risen to equal its textiles and apparel exports. This, along with the revaluation of the peso, is affecting the Colombian textiles and clothing industry that employs around 700,000 people.
The influx of Chinese apparels in Colombian market started last year after the Government lowered import duty on them.
Experts estimate that Colombian textile and apparel imports have increased by a dramatic 64 percent since import tariffs were reduced in 2011.
They predict, if the trend of importing garments from China in larger volumes continues, it may result in imports exceeding exports, thus reversing Colombia's traditional favourable balance in textile and garment trade.
In view of the current situation, the Colombian Government is searching for alternatives, including tariff reforms and reduced tax on goods, to help the domestic textile and apparel firms.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India