Dongguan'S Export To Latin American Footwear Is Gratifying

Latin America, especially Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua, has injected new vitality into Dongguan's foreign trade.

I learned from the Whampoa customs that in November this year, Dongguan's total import and export volume in Latin America amounted to US $2 billion 680 million, an increase of 29% over the same period last year.

I know that Mexico and Brazil are the two major trading nations in Dongguan. Data show that in 1-11 months, the import and export volume of Dongguan and Mexico was 780 million US dollars, an increase of 27.7%; the import and export trade with Brazil amounted to 740 million US dollars, an increase of 62.8%; the trade volume with these two countries accounted for 56.7% of the total volume of Dongguan's total trade volume in Latin America over the same period; meanwhile, the volume of import and export trade between Dongguan and Puerto Rico and Nicaragua increased by 130% and 56.5% respectively.

Customs professionals said that Dongguan's trade in Latin America was also characterized by strong exports of traditional commodities.

From 1 to November, Dongguan's mechanical and electrical products exported to the Latin American region amounted to US $1 billion 240 million, an increase of 17.8%, accounting for 76.5% of Dongguan's total exports to Latin America in the same period. It is the largest category of Dongguan's exports to Latin America.

In addition to the decline in textile exports, footwear, furniture and bags have maintained relatively rapid growth.

Bilateral trade accounts for only 2.5% of the total foreign trade, the Customs said. In view of the fact that Dongguan's foreign trade is currently facing difficulties in the global financial crisis affecting Europe and the United States, developing emerging markets will become one of the important strategic measures.

Customs professionals pointed out that trade between Dongguan and Latin America has strong complementarity. At present, bilateral trade accounts for only 2.5% of Dongguan's total foreign trade, and its proportion is obviously too small.

"Dongguan imported mainly agricultural products from Latin America, up to 510 million US dollars in November, an increase of 79.4%."

In particular, the customs emphasized that Dongguan's strong and reputable enterprises should be encouraged to invest in factories in Latin America. At the same time, Latin American entrepreneurs should be encouraged to invest in Dongguan. Through the joint efforts of enterprises, we should complement each other's strengths and jointly explore the international market. When conditions permit, we will establish intermediary agencies such as the Latin American Federation of trade unions to provide faster, more authoritative and thoughtful services for bilateral trade.

Yang Jing: editor in charge