WASHINGTON — April 13, 2011 — To strengthen sales of U.S. cotton yarns and fabrics to the region,
the COTTON USA Sourcing Program brought together seven U.S. mills, 15 Latin American and European
retailers, and 47 Andean, Central American and Mexican apparel manufacturers for a two-day Sourcing
Fair in Lima, Peru, Apr. 5-7, 2011.
Attendees held private meetings to discuss business opportunities that would move U.S. cotton
yarns and fabrics through the regional supply chain. Close to 700 individual meetings took place.
The event included a conference session with a panel of experts who addressed textile and
apparel trade issues such as an overview of textile and apparel agreements between Latin America
and Europe; a review of the current cotton price situation; a discussion of Western Hemisphere
textile and garment industry capabilities; and sourcing requirements for European brands &
retailers.
The event enabled overseas buyers to meet all segments of the Western Hemisphere supply chain
in one location. This streamlined approach to sourcing reinforced existing business relationships
and fostered new relationships between U.S. mills, their Latin American customers, and downstream
buyers from their region and from Europe.
The timing of the Sourcing Fair was excellent since European brands and retailers have
recently gained interest in sourcing opportunities from Latin America as increased costs in Asia
and political uncertainties in North Africa have strained usual supply channels. European and Latin
American regional sourcing is positive for U.S. cotton and cotton yarn and fabric since goods
sourced in the Western Hemisphere are a high percentage U.S. fiber.
Posted on April 15, 2011
Source: Cotton Council International
