QIMA 2012 Q1 Barometer
QIMA Q1 Barometer: Latin America, the Next "Gold Rush" of Chinese Exports.
Shenzhen, China, April 18, 2012- QIMA, a leading provider of quality control services for businesses importing from Asia, today announces the QIMA Q1 2012 Barometer,a quarterly synopsis of Asia-based manufacturing and the quality control services industry.
Increased Demand for Quality Control from Latin American Importers
During Q1 2012, inspections in Asia ordered by Latin American importers increased from Q1 2011 by an average of 120%; notably Colombia 180%, Panama 159%, Chile 87% and Bolivia 56%.Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, saw one of the largest increases with inspection orders up 240% compared to Q1 2011. This growth, consistent with the increasing momentum of Latin America's economies, also demonstrates a realization by Latin American importers of the necessity of securing the safety and quality of product at its source. In larger terms, driven by the economic powerhouse of Brazil, Latin America's overall GDP is expected to increase by 4% in both 2012 and 2013 (Source: IMF).
Contingent to this growth, Latin American imports have increased by approximately 20% in recent years (Source: The World Bank). The strong growth in demand for quality control services seen in the younger economies of Latin America sits in stark contrast when compared with order figures from Europe, which increased by a modest 13% between Q1 2011 and Q1 2012, reflecting the troubled EU economy.
"Brazilian President Rousseff with Chinese Premier Hu Jintao"
What Products are Being Imported from China to Latin America?
In recent years Brazil and Colombia have emerged as China's second-biggest trading partners after the U.S, owing in large part to their abundant natural resources. While Latin American exports to China consist mainly of raw materials, including copper and petroleum, imports from China consist predominantly of consumer electronics, textile and toy products.
QIMA Q1 2012 order figures reflect this consumer goods-based trend in Brazil and Colombia.From Q1 2011, inspections of house and gardenware products increased 160% and textile, apparel and footwear by 270%. Other product categories that saw record growth included toys, which jumped 550% and constructions items, up 294%.
Protectionism: A Potential Barrier to Bilateral Trade
In order to protect local employment and goods production, some Latin American countries have introduced new stricter customs rates. Additionally, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia have taken protectionist measures to regulate imports of Chinese products in their territory, including new import taxes on more than 140 products as of late 2011. (Source: Mercosur Summit, December 20, 21, 2011 - Montevideo)
In the boldest move so far, Brazilian Ministry of Finance announced the creation of a customs control campaign aimed specifically at scrutinizing Chinese imports. These increasing regulations are forcing Latin American importers to implement stricter quality control at the source, to confirm that their Chinese manufactured products comply with international quality and safety standards and not be rejected by customs and sent back to China.
Further substantiating the rush by importers to comply with new regulations at home, Q1 2012 audit orders of Asian factories on behalf of importers from Latin American countries increased by 56% versus Q1 2011. "Protectionist measures have certainly had an impact on Sino-Latin American trade", said Sebastien Breteau, CEO of QIMA. " To continue safely growing their business within this new regulatory climate, every Latin American importer must reinforce international quality control standards in their factory. The fact that we're seeing importers taking an increasing responsibility for their product and business reputation is encouraging."
About QIMA - Your Eyes in the Supply Chain!™
QIMA is a leading quality control services provider for importers from Asia and Africa, providing web-based account management, fast scheduling and highly competitive prices for companies seeking Product Inspection, Factory Audit and Laboratory Testing services in Asia and Africa. QIMA serves clients from over 100 countries worldwide.
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