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Central America apparel exports up on activewear and NAFTA 29 Nov 2017

Central American apparel exports are on the up thanks to rising US demand for high-performance synthetic activewear and ongoing uncertainty over Mexico's position in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Guatemala not off the hook over labour violations 28 Jun 2017

Guatemala may have won a bitter, nine-year labour rights dispute but it is not yet off the hook from supporting labour violations, according to a senior official at AFL-CIO, the trade union group that teamed with the US Trade Representative office to file the suit.

Guatemala makers shrug off Trump trade concerns 1 Jun 2017

Just when things seemed to be getting better for Central America, the proposed US Border Adjustment Tax and possible changes to the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) are unnerving maquilas. 

Central America makers eye export surge under Trump 3 Jan 2017

Central America could benefit from a NAFTA re-write under US president-elect Donald Trump, according to local executives, who are optimistic of a surge in apparel exports as many China orders swing back to the region.

Why Central America must make better use of DR-CAFTA 27 May 2016

Central America must do more to make better use of the flexibilities of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States, and move to leverage the so-called staging categories of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to boost its competitiveness, according to experts.

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Unifi signs letter of intent to form Guatemala JV 2 Aug 2017

US yarn maker Unifi has inked a non-binding letter of intent to form a joint venture in Guatemala as part of a bid to further expand the geographic footprint of its Repreve recycled filament fibre.

Guatemala's Iris Textiles to launch recycled clothing line 7 Jun 2017

Guatemalan eco-friendly apparel, yarn and fabric maker Iris Textiles is set to launch a recycled apparel line as it works to transform its business into a sustainable fashion supplier.

PLM to help Denimatrix streamline product development 22 Mar 2016

While product lifecycle management (PLM) software is more traditionally used by retailers and brands, Guatemala’s leading fashion denim producer Denimatrix has also recognised the potential of such a tool when it comes to improving the efficiency and speed of key product development and pre-production processes – including sampling, costings, and bill of materials. 

Guatemala joins EFTA-Central America FTA 30 Jun 2015

Guatemala has become the first country to join the EFTA-Central American Free Trade Agreement (FTA), in a move that will help enhance economic ties and promote trade and investment between the country and EFTA states.

Denimatrix selects planning tool to support growth 3 Jun 2015

Guatemala’s leading fashion denim producer, Denimatrix, is implementing Fast React’s Evolve solution to help reduce lead times and work in progress, as well as improving productivity.

US claims Guatemala labour violations affected trade 7 Nov 2014

The US is proceeding with its case against Guatemala for failing to enforce its domestic labour laws, with an initial written submission this week citing at least 402 instances where failures occurred, including apparel manufacturers.

US: Presses Guatemala again on labour law reforms 22 Sep 2014

US Trade Representative Michael Froman has said his administration is once again taking action on behalf of workers globally by proceeding with its labour enforcement case against Guatemala.

GUATEMALA: US looking into labour law reforms 27 Aug 2014

The US has allowed a dispute settlement process related to labour enforcement in Guatemala to remain suspended for four weeks while it reviews fresh reforms made by the country’s government.

GUATEMALA: US pushes for action on worker rights 5 Aug 2014

US Trade Representative Michael Froman has met with Guatemalan leaders to press their government on the full implementation of labour provisions under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

GUATEMALA: US calls for more action on worker rights 28 Apr 2014

The US is seeking further progress by Guatemala on its labour obligations under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).