27 February 2008 - Although apparel exports to the United States are depressed by the delay in implementing the Free Trade Agreement with Washington, Colombian denim producers continue investing in new capacities. They however limit their ambitions to both Americas, in sharp contrast with global denim players such as Tavex-Santista, Parras or UCO-Raymond.
14 November 2007 - Colombia and Peru will need a new extension by the U.S. Congress of duty-free program ATPDEA before the end of February 2008. A delay in approval and implementation of free-trade pacts signed with Washington is again adding uncertainty to apparel sourcing from the two countries. While agreement with Peru will have got Congressional support by early December, Colombia is facing strong U.S. opposition to a free-trade deal, including from Senator Clinton.
28 June 2007 - Apparel from Colombia and Peru will continue benefiting from duty-free access to the US market after the US Congress approved a 8-month extension of the preferential treatment, known as ATPDEA. The US House Wednesday passed the law which was voted by the Senate on Thursday.
15 May 2007 - The Bush administration last week concluded a decisive agreement with the US Congress that is a first step for maintaining duty-free access to US market for Peruvian and Colombian apparel. Free trade agreements concluded with Lima and Bogota must be passed by US lawmakers before the end of June or both countries would face expiration of US preferential access. Uncertainties already led US buyers in limiting orders to Colombia and Peru.
12 December 2006 - The US Congress passed a last-minute trade package on Thursday and Friday, including extension of the Andean trade preference and AGOA's third country fabric provision. Haiti is being granted generous rules of origin allowing 50% of value from Asian origin.