DHL registered double-digit growthin the import and export sector of the textile and fashion industry in Colombia, increasing importswith DHL Express by 60% during the first half year of 2008, while exports increased by 43% ascompared to the same period in 2007.
DHL Express’ increased exportsbetween Colombia and the United States represent one of the highest growth rates registered inLatin America, the company stated. Following the US, intra-regional textile and fashion industryexports within Latin America countries encompass 40% of the total textile exports of Colombia,primarily to Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.
“We recognize that the textilesector is one of the most traditional and fastest growing industries in the country, in addition tobeing one of the most important for Colombia’s economy development. As a result, we havedesigned and tailored solutions to target the unique dynamic needs of this sector, whether toimport pieces or raw materials from China, or to export entire collections with the utmost care toEurope or the United States”, stated Juan Pablo Castillo, Commercial Director of DHL ExpressColombia.
A recent study conducted by researchfirm In-Trend revealed that the main products fashion designers import from Colombia include piecesand materials such as dyes, machinery, spare parts and thread in addition to textiles and rawmaterials. China and the United States are Colombia’s highest import volume trade lanes,representing 24% and 20% of DHL Express’ total imports respectively, followed by Italy (8%), HongKong (7%) and Mexico (7%). Presently, Colombia is the fourth largest importer in DHL Express’ LatinAmerica list of importers, representing 13% of the total regional market.
On the exporting front, In-Trendstudy found that designers and local manufacturers export primarily jeans, pants, jackets, suitsand textiles. United States is the major export trade lane in Colombia, representing 25% of DHLExpress Colombia total export volume.
DHL has a complete suite ofsolutions designed to meet the needs of the textile and fashion industry, such as Import Express, asolution that enables fast and secure imports in more than 255 countries with a complete customsclearance service. DHL has dedicated consultants at DHL Import Desk center that helpscustomers through each step of the importing and exporting process, from the required documentationto the rapid customs release. In terms of exporting, DHL Express Worldwide is a service thatoffers early morning international door to door deliveries.
