Peruvian textile companies look to increase exports to US market

New York, Sep 24 (EFE).- Peruvian textile companies have participated in a New York trade fair to increase their presence in the United States, in particular clothing and accessories for designers with their own brands.

Six companies - who have made clothes for exclusive brands in the U.S. for decades - received a visit from Peru's new Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Úrsula León, who supported them at the Sourcing at Magic New York fair to expand in this competitive industry.

According to León, the goal is to win contracts at the fair of at least one million dollars for garment manufacturing and export, while continuing to grow by participating at different fairs.

Peru is known for its textile tradition, especially for cotton and alpaca. As a result, many designers and brands make their garments in the South American country, generating some 400,000 jobs and contributing 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to official figures.

High-quality garments and materials

The six clothing companies showcased their products for three days. Most products were made with Peruvian materials, mostly alpaca and cotton, but many were mixed with other fibers. This was interesting for companies looking for this type of production service, characterized by quality and sustainability.

“These companies produce for other companies Peruvian products with high-quality cotton combined with alpaca fiber for a wonderful result, on show for the world,” Leon, who has been in office since early September, told EFE.

The minister was pleased that the garments reach the U.S. market directly from Peru, with high-quality products, using craftspeople for embroidery and complying with Peruvian safety regulations.

“It is not only showcasing our Peruvian material but also our culture and the fact that we offer the world a wide range of materials that are of excellent quality, high durability, and sustainable,” she said.

Some Peruvian companies have been in the market for more than 30 years and manufacture for international brands such as Coach, Emporio Armani, Bigotti, Lucchese, and Urban Outfitters, among others.

“It is important to take the Peruvian concept and brand outside the country,” several business people told León, who pledged to “continue strengthening” the industry so that more Peruvian companies have a presence at the fairs.

“This is a sector that generates jobs. What we are looking for is that we can support many more, add more companies so that they can bring their products to this type of space,” she said.

Textile exports were worth $933 million between January and July this year, a drop of 2.1% compared to the same period in 2023, according to official figures.

More platforms for brands

Four other Peruvian companies participated in another fair at the same venue, Coterie, with their brands and products.

Coterie is a trade fair for clothing, jewelry, and shoe brands exclusively for women. Companies have to be pre-approved by organizers with brands with international reach taking part.

The minister said establishing a brand in a country like the U.S. “is not easy,” but “Peruvian products and materials are worth the investment.”

“We support those who are committed not only to their production but also to their brands,” said Leon, who has back-to-back meetings in New York for both the textile and tourism industries. EFE

PromPerú supported EFE to prepare this article.

Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Ursula León (c), during her visit to the Sourcing at Magic New York and Coterie fairs on Monday, in New York (USA). EFE/ Octavio Guzman

Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Ursula León (l), during her visit to the Sourcing at Magic New York and Coterie fairs on Monday, in New York (USA). EFE/ Octavio Guzman

Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Ursula León (r), during her visit to the Sourcing at Magic New York and Coterie fairs on Monday, in New York (USA). EFE/ Octavio Guzman

Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Ursula León (c), during her visit to the Sourcing at Magic New York and Coterie fairs on Monday, in New York (USA). EFE/ Octavio Guzman