China has become the leading supplier of clothing to the Latin American country of Mexico, as the country imported apparel worth US$ 290 million during the first half of 2013, which is an increase of 69 percent compared to the same period last year, as per the data from the Ministry of Economy.
According to the Ministry’s data, during the first six months of this year, China overtook the US in becoming the leading supplier of clothing to Mexico, reports Mexican newspaper Criterio Hidalgo.
The US retained the second place, with Mexico importing apparel worth US$ 171 million from the country.
Sergio Lopez, president of the National Chamber of Apparel Industry (CANAIVE) of Mexico, attributed the surge in clothing imports to the trade facilities provided to the East Asian country.
The CANAIVE official said that until two years ago, the Chinese products entering the country had to pay an additional fee of 80 percent, plus duty and value-added tax, whereas now, these goods enter the market by paying tariffs at the rate of 25 to 30 percent.
According to Mr. Lopez, despite the entry of leading apparel firms such as H&M, Forever 21 and American Eagle in the country this year, it did not result into developing the manufacturing abilities of local firms operating in the sector.
The CANAIVE official further explained that the Asian country has perfected a textile production model that allows it to produce goods at comparatively lower costs than other countries.
China is the only nation that produces goods from the entire yarn-textile-garment chain, and also has incentive policies in manufacturing which escalates the process, creating brands and integrating companies in every major textiles segment.