The imposition of US$ 4 per kg tariff on imports of textiles and apparels by Colombia last month would not have a detrimental effect on exports of Ecuador, according to Associacion de Industriales Textiles del Ecuador (AITE).
The levy of tariffs by Colombia is in response to the flooding of Asian textiles into Colombian market in recent years and hence, it would not affect Ecuadoran exports, AITE said.
Colombia is the largest purchaser of Ecuadoran textiles in the Andean Community, and the imposition of tariff by Colombia is positive for the country, AITE added.
The association said Ecuadoran textile and apparel exports to Colombia have doubled from 2009 to 2012.
It said there are vast business opportunities as Colombia needs inputs and finished products that are offered by Ecuador.
Ecuadoran textile and apparel sector employs more than 123,000 people.
