'Guatemalan apparel exports surpass traditional items'

22 May '14

2 min read

The exports of apparel and textiles from Guatemala have been growing each year and have surpassed traditional items like coffee and sugar, President Otto Perez Molina said while inaugurating the 23rd editing of the Apparel Sourcing Show in Guatemala City.

In 2013, the apparel and textile industry of Guatemala exported goods valued at US$ 1.512 billion, accounting for 14 percent of all exports from the country. Around 79 percent of clothing and textile exports were destined to the US, followed by 14 percent to the Central American region, according to the data from the Ministry of Economy.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Apparel Sourcing Show, Minister of Economy Sergio de la Torre said the fair is part of the public-private strategies to make Guatemala a centre for production of apparel and textiles in Mesoamerica region.

Apparel and Textile Industry Association (Vestex) president Severino Mata highlighted Guatemala’s ability to compete internationally in the garment sector.

The Apparel Sourcing Show, being held every May since 1991, is the only apparel and textile trade fair in the CAFTA-DR region, where international key players of the industry from different countries of the Americas meet under one roof.

The current edition of the Apparel Sourcing Show, organized by Vestex and the Guatemalan Exporters’ Association (Agexport), scheduled to conclude on May 22, 2014, is expected to be visited by over 4,000 potential buyers from various countries.

The three-day event showcases an overview of the Guatemalan apparel and textile industry’s best skills and dexterity that results in a production of high value-added garments. Besides Exhibition Floor, the event also has a Matchmaking Meeting Program as well as various workshops where recognized international speakers give key information about actual changes in the industry, market trends, social responsibility, and region capabilities.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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