International trade in the textile and fashion industry with DHL registers remarkable growth in Colombia

DHL registered double-digit growth in the import and export sector of the textile and fashion industry in Colombia. Imports with DHL Express increased by 60% during the first semester of 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, while exports increased by 43%.

These trends are announced on the eve of DHL's participation at Colombiamoda, from July 29th thru the 31st, where the company will introduce the customized solutions designed to meet the demanding needs of the textile and fashion industry.

"We recognize that the textile sector is one of the most traditional and fastest growing industries in the country, in addition to being one of the most important for Colombia's economy development. As a result, we have designed and tailored solutions to target the unique dynamic needs of this sector, whether to import pieces or raw materials from China, or to export entire collections with the utmost care to Europe or the United States", stated Juan Pablo Castillo, Commercial Director of DHL Express Colombia.

A recent study by research firm In-Trend revealed that the main products fashion designers import from Colombia include pieces and materials such as dyes, machinery, spare parts and thread in addition to textiles and raw materials.

DHL - a valuable partner for the fashion industry

China and the United States are the Colombia's highest import volume trade lanes, representing 24% and 20% of DHL Express' total imports respectively, followed by Italy (8%), Hong Kong (7%) and Mexico (7%). Presently, Colombia is the fourth largest importer in DHL Express' Latin America list of importers, representing 13% of the total regional market.

On the exporting front, In-Trend study found that designers and local manufacturers export primarily jeans, pants, jackets, suits and textiles. United States is the major export trade lane in Colombia, representing 25% of DHL Express Colombia total export volume.

In fact, DHL Express' exports between Colombia and the United States have increased 60% during the first semester of 2008, one of the highest growth rates registered in Latin America. Following the U.S., intra-regional textile and fashion industry exports within Latin American countries encompasses 40% of the total textile exports of Colombia, primarily to Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.

DHL has a complete suite of solutions designed to meet the needs of the textile and fashion industry, such as Import Express, a solution that enables fast, innovative and secure imports in more than 255 countries with a complete customs clearance service.

Similarly, DHL has dedicated consultants at DHL Import Desk center that helps customers through each step of the importing and exporting process, from the required documentation to the rapid customs release. In terms of exporting, DHL Express Worldwide is a service that offers early morning international door to door deliveries.