Argentine leathergoods makers return to the fore in international markets
Since the Argentine peso was devalued at the beginning of 2001, the country's leathergoods sector has started regaining the markets it lost in the 1990s. Exports are up and a strong increase in the number of foreign tourists is giving the economy a much needed boost. The next edition of CEMCA - Exhibition Centre for Argentina's Leathergoods – will be held August 10-12 at the Centro Costa Salguero, Buenos Aires. The show is expected to reflect the resurgence of interest in Argentine leathergoods, both at home and abroad.
The previous edition of CEMCA exceeded all expectations, especially in terms of visitors from abroad and the number of deals closed. The fair is organised twice a year by the Chamber of the Argentinean Leathergoods Industry (CIMA). Retailers were very excited that locally made goods were supplanting imported ones and that tourist purchases of Argentineleathergoods was rising.
Participation in international fairs and trade missions organised by CIMA has generated a steady flow of foreign traders willing to do business with Argentine leathergoods manufacturers. The improved competitiveness of the sector after the devaluation plus the quality and prestige attached to Argentinean leather are making Argentine leathergoods of growing interest to international buyers. This includes saddlery, which has an especially strong heritage.
Simultaneously to CEMCA will be EFICA, Argentina's Shoe Exhibition and a mini bijouterie fair with approximately ten exhibitors. It is hoped the three events together will give visitors a wide overview of local fashion.
Argentina is going through a period of renewed stability under its newly elected president. The new situation reaffirms the effectiveness of the government’s industrial policies, especially with regard to making the most of the devaluation of the peso in terms of foreign trade. Foreign exchange rate stability is also helping to stimulate export growth.
The contribution of the country’s tanners should also not be overlooked. In the nineties, the tanning sector had to make huge technological changes to become a major international supplier. Using the high quality leather that is the outcome of this investment, the old European-style leathergoods manufacturers, established in the 1950’s and 60’s are being reborn, with the descendants of the pioneers of forty or so years ago in many cases being at the vanguard of the recovery
Among the exhibitors that have already confirmed their participation in the 52nd CEMCA are: Quaglia - Ruben Ferino - Creaciones Gus - Xiara - Sofia Cueros - Paula y Agustina Ricci - Gloria López Sauque - Pierr Voyager - Zylbersztein Hnos. - Willow - Tiara - Cade Collection - Fashion & Sport - Good Company - By Dyms - Maiz Tostado - M.G. - Verónica Toledo - Bags Express - Soft - Kiskot - Airone - Ynia - Creaciones Rey - Kif Kif - Barontini - Suam - Cueros Framar - C&R - D & C - Carla Danelli - Julio Group - Adrian Peker - La Mora - Twiti - Carteras Ramos - Exporpiel - Candy - Dosy - Costumbre Bags - Salvatore - Spiga 31 - Industrial Bal - Ricardo Cardenal - Aldei - Lizoa - Total Bags - Carteras Rahs - Epitelio - Crayola - Petra - Mitti - Barlabarla - W.Mayorga - Nunivak - Megavinil - Cueros Donikian - Paul Cuer - Ceresa - Carteras Damare - Three Line- Ante Garmaz - Etnia - Vars - Paolo Veronese - X Terra - 305 Bags - Clandestine.
