New Tariff Has Already Resulted in The Creation of About 1,500 New Jobs

It is less than a month since the Decree 0074 of 2013, amending the tariff on apparel imports, was implemented in Colombia, but it has already resulted in the creation of about 1,500 new jobs, Colombian Chamber of Clothing and Allied Workers (CCCyA) has said.
 
Under the revised guidelines, clothing imported from other countries attracts 10 percent ad-valorem duty, and an additional duty of US$ 5 per kg. However, the tariff on import of threads, fabrics and other sewing raw material remains unchanged.
 
The new tariff, announced by President Juan Manuel Santos earlier this year, is aimed at reducing import of ready-to-wear garments from other countries, and to promote domestic garment industry, which employs about 370,000 people.
 
In addition, the revised duty also seeks to address some other pertinent issues like under-invoicing, Carolina Blackburn, executive director of the CCCyA, said.
 
Reviewing the impact of the new tariff, she said the decree has resulted in revival of orders with domestic apparel manufacturers and it has led to a creation of about 1,500 new employment opportunities.