Weakening US Dollar Sales Of Clothing In Philippines

2008/4/14 11:39:00 30

The Dollar Weakened And Clothing Sales In Philippines Fell.

The local clothing industry in Philippines reported a 20% decline in sales in the first quarter of this year, due to declining demand in the US and the largest buyer of clothing in Philippines.

Santos, President of the Philippines apparel exporters association, said: "this year is a very difficult year, because the retailers in the US are depressed."

Philippines's clothing industry has suffered difficulties since last year, and its total export performance has dropped by 6%.

Santos said that for this year, the clothing industry did not grow, but at least maintained the market.

For clothing industry, one advantage is close to the United States.

Even in the recession, the US demand for the whole year will not drop significantly.

The decline in orders in the first quarter of this year was due to retailers' reluctant to hoard too much inventory.

Santos said demand will rise in the second quarter of this year. Philippines's geographical location makes Philippines one of the best candidates to meet the needs of the United States.

7 board members of the Philippines apparel exporters association contributed 400 million dollars in last year's sales, accounting for 23% of the total exports to the United States.

The Philippines apparel exporters association has more than 30 thousand employees.

In addition, Santos said he met with Trade Secretary Peter De La Villa, discussing issues of industrial concern, especially high business costs.

The water charge at Clark is quite high.

The Trade Secretary promised to see if the government could lower the cost of water and sewing.

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