With the US placing more orders to the region, Latin America’s textile exports are likely to surge exponentially this year. A study by Women’s Wear Daily shows, robust sales of knitwear, T-shirts, polo shirts, lingerie, underwear, and socks will boost Mexico’s shipments to $7 billion this year. Exports of denim and denim items may also increase, benefiting firms in the La Laguna industrial region, which houses Levi’s and Wrangler facilities, according to Garcia.

However, basic materials shortage might jeopardize these advances, says a Textile Focus report. Raul Garcia, Industry Specialist, opines, garment sales might rise by 10 per cent with US customers continuing to engage in close sourcing and seeking more competitive locations like Mexico.

The industry is pushing for additional flexibility in the USCMA agreement’s rules of origin, citing a scarcity of fabric, particularly synthetic yarn and thread, as making it difficult for suppliers to satisfy demands. According to Juan Sánchez, Owner, Texsun, Central American exports to the United States might increase by 10 per cent. However, scarcity of raw materials might jeopardize supplies.