Colombia Textile Focus – Gateway to Latin America’s Apparel Market.

A Strategic Gateway for Textiles in Latin America
Country in Focus: Colombia.

Colombia holds a strategic position between Central and South America, serving as a vital connection point in the region. As the fifth-largest country in Latin America by land area, it benefits from coastlines along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It shares borders with Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil.

With a population of approximately 52 million, Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico.

Economic Snapshot

In 2021, Colombia’s exports increased by 30 percent, reaching USD 40 billion, while imports grew by 40 percent to USD 61 billion. Its main export partners include the United States, China, Panama, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Turkey, Mexico, Chile, and Peru.

The country hosts 97 free trade zones, offering substantial business advantages to manufacturers and exporters. This figure stands out in comparison to Türkiye, which has 19.

Textile Industry Highlights

The textile and apparel industry is one of Colombia’s most established and economically significant sectors. It employs nearly half a million people and accounts for approximately 9.4 percent of the country’s manufacturing GDP.

Colombia supplies not only its domestic market but is also a prominent exporter of textile products globally. Leading segments within the ready-to-wear and apparel industry include denim, children’s clothing, underwear, swimwear, and shapewear.

The city of Medellín serves as the country’s primary hub for textile and apparel manufacturing, particularly known for its dynamic denim industry.

Thanks to its reputation for producing high-quality garments and its numerous free trade agreements, Colombia is widely recognized as a competitive player in the global textile and apparel market.

Travel Information for Turkish Citizens

Turkish nationals are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days when traveling to Colombia for business or tourism.

Participating Sectors

• Fabrics

• Yarns

• Accessories

• Textile Machinery

• Chemicals and Dyes

• Events  Website:http://www.kuzeyexpo.com/