The mid market Peso rate is now 2,001 this morning. The ATM exchange well

elk says on May 15, 2007, 06:31:

Rent is only a small part of your costs You make a good point, but rent is only a small part of the total cost. More important for me are the costs for daily expenses like food, transportation, and entertainment which accounts for 31.13% of my budget. In my opinion we have two problems, one being the exchange rate and the other future inflation here in Colombia. Anyone depending on the strength of the dollar will be facing both problems.

Administration - Condo Fee 108,900 $54.45 1.88%
Property Tax w/insurance 35,000 17.50 0.61%
Food - Spending 60K day 1,800,000 900.00 31.13%
Gas 40,000 20.00 0.69%
TV Complete y Phone 98,000 49.00 1.69%
Broadband 27,000 13.50 0.47%
Medical Insurance 134,000 67.00 2.32%
Electric 25,000 12.50 0.43%
Maid - once a week 108,000 54.00 1.87%
sewer ? 52,000 26.00 0.90%
Garbage y misc 22,000 11.00 0.38%
Transportation 90,000 45.00 1.56%

elk says on May 15, 2007, 06:36:

The current exchange rate... Brians:

I hope we never see the exchange rate reach 800 COP, but I wouldn't be surprised to see 1,500 COP which is my decision point.

Colombian isn't the only country facing this problem of a strong and escalating currency.

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 06:47:

Elk my point exactly this is a compounding problem and one which I consider while weighing my decision on how much to invest in Colombia. I want to have a $ minimum invested in real estate which would cover my minimum lifestyle in rental income. Thus based on owning my own place and based on various people's budgets which I have seen. I think a pure minimum amount of rental income coming in would be $2,000,000 pesos to cover my monthly bills (not rent as I own). I would still keep my US money invested in the USA as a a balance and let that grow. I never want to be in a situation which I am going to sweat the currency moves. I can increase rents to keep pace with inflation. Just my thoughts. Now I need to decide to invest in rental properties now or wait it out an hope for a better exchange rate. I am waiting it out.

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 06:56:

BTW I meant to say $2,500,000 as far as minimum expenses which as I see matches your level. Now I have an income coming from the USA also and I do plan to work teaching english to keep busy. However I want a minimum coverage in Pesos.

miamimike says on May 15, 2007, 07:23:

Hey Brians You can live in a Country without having Rental income. A friend of mine(retired and now deceased) lived in Guadalajara Mexico in the late 80s early 90s. He rented at the time but had maybe $20,000 USD invested in 30 day Mexican CDs paying around 20-30% interest. This interest nicely covered his rent, food, extras allowing him to live well for his time there without any worries. BTW, I ran into American Retirees in 1994 in Bogota who at the time were very happy with a 800:1 exchange rate. Everything is reletive,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

mecca says on May 15, 2007, 07:28:

mike, quick question I'm no expert on all this stuff. So, what were prices of items like in colombia back then when the peso was at 800 to the dollar??

Just some standard items if you can remember. Thanks

gringoloid says on May 15, 2007, 07:36:

All I can tell you is..... this has me rather concerned as a person moving to Bogota. We haven't even seen the US real estate market tank yet. Or a staggering rise in unemployment. Greenspan, from retirement said there is going to be a recession by the end of the year. I tell you one thing.......I will change direction and be in Argentina long before the dollar hits 800 pesos.

miamimike says on May 15, 2007, 07:59:

Mecca from what I can remember the prices were great like a Taxi from the Airport to Hotels where I used to stay by the Old US Embassy was around $3 max, meals a couple dollars or less. My Objective even the was NOT to try and impress the Bogota Ladies as my being a Freewheeling Spender from El Notre dining in upscale restuarants with the Ladies whole family invited. I simply did not allow this to happen. . I lived up to that Image LOL and still had a lot of fun. My lodging for a couple weeks less then $150. Remember I never went to any of those Upscale star hotels like the Dann, Tequedama(sp)and never went to the Tourist traps like the Zona Rosa whose prices were geared for tourists. I smoked at the time and remember Malboro Reds less then $1 a pack. I'm not much of a drinker so little was spent in Nightclubs and Booze. I remember my whole trip for a couple weeks was well under $600. A Bag of groceries (milk, bread,ect was under $5--I cooked a lot in my room. I brought Beer and a Bottle to my room for "entertaining" purposes. A ticket on the Tourist Train was under $8 round trip. I used taxis a lot then and the cost was maybe $8 for various daily trips.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 07:59:

Gingoloid Greenspan has said 1 in 3 chance of recession but at 1.3% GDP growth and population growth of 1.5% I think we may already be in one. Anyway a loss of liquidity from the Yen carry Trade and all bets are off and the dollar gets crushed. However I think the Peso gets crushed as well. Colombia's growth is probably more dependant on liquidity than the USA so at this point I don't see one being a counterbalance to the other. The point is there is not pure safety net but to live somewhere with no income from the source country is crazy in my book. You could be a big winner but as someone basically retired I am not looking at making big bets but rather taking less risk and having sourced income is my only solution.

Ctg Bound says on May 15, 2007, 08:20:

gringoloid Greenspan said there was a one in three chance of a US recession.

expatriate says on May 15, 2007, 08:57:

The USD eventually going down to zero is a real possibility. Silver bullion is the best investment I believe for the next few years.

nine inch nails says on May 15, 2007, 09:16:

If gets too out of hand will do like Argentina (AR) did in late 90s and early 00s. Prices got so high there people stopped visiting and went elsewhere then it all came tumbling down hard.

I visited AR last year and didn't mind spending $65 US to $120 US per night on a decent hotel room for a short period but no way I would be paying $205 - $360 per night before collapse for any of those rooms. If CO gets too expensive people will travel again back to Europe or other places with better exchange rates.

"Money is neither created nor destroyed, it just keeps changing hands"

get down, get down

poco says on May 15, 2007, 09:21:

Can't eat a house I ran into American Retirees in 1994 in Bogota who at the time were very happy with a 800:1 exchange rate

I don't know the cost of goods in 1994 or how the inflation factors relate.

However, there are serious common commidity price increases in Colombia vrs. a low U.S. rate.

Greenpeas (arvejas) removed from the pod and bagged cost 3,500 COP per kilo three months ago, yesterday they were 5,000.

People on a "fixed" dollar income that exchange for pesos are in a "pickle". Inflation and exchange rates give them a double "hit".

An item that increases in value due to inflation and does not produce an income does not help when it comes time to eat, pay taxes and utilities.

Inflation is low in the United States. The months market move was enhanced by todays low inflation numbers in the U.S.

Those that say Colombia is inexpensive are wrong. Except for labor intensive items everything else costs more money than the same item in the U.S. including many food products.

AND BEER.

50 cents per can, cold, (1,000 pesos). Ha, can't buy a little can of Poker for 1K COP.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

gringoloid says on May 15, 2007, 10:40:

Yes, you are right.... I should have been more clear on the 1 out of 3 chance. But I believe he talks in "fed code", and after 20 years, everytime he said something like this, and this is the way he sends messages, (like in 2000 with the tech bust), it seems to come true. What do you think, a bad recession in 2008??

Mr. Hollywood says on May 15, 2007, 10:58:

Hedging Brians, I hear what you're saying about wanting income in the currency of the country in which you're retired, but you should bear in mind that your situation is fairly unique. Most foreigners living in Colombia are there on a fairly temporary basis (a couple years) and to them the idea of buying vs renting just does not make sense or, to be honest, matter. The truth is that the currency fluctuations are just as likely to swing the other way or, if you really CAN predict those swings, you can make much more in FOREX trading than by owning a rental property.

I think the currency risk factor will be something that will need to be resolved before Colombia becomes a popular retirement destination. There's a reason so many gringos are flocking to Panama right now and I think the relatively stabilty of dollars to dollars is a factor.

DonCuloBlanco says on May 15, 2007, 11:23:

Greenspan Also spoke of irrational exuberance when the market was at 700 and it then went like a rocket over 10K. He is not a big voice on Wallstreet but the media likes him. Calling the bubble in 2000 is a little like calling the sky blue. If he had said OK this is the top today then I would worship him. Everyone new it was a buble but no one new when it the train was going to stop until it did. Don't confuse Greenspan the Economist with Greenspan the fed chairman.

He also called this 1 in 3. Oh wow that is a big risk. If it doesn't happen he will fall back on the 2 out of three. If it does happen he will rely on the 1. No friend if he want's to impress me he needs to communicate yes or no and in a language that means what is communicated. There should be no need to read tea leaves for any fed chairman. This was his ego getting in the way.

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 11:30:

Mr. Hollwood I agree with you completely if you are there only for a short period of time no need to hedge. I guess my only point was when I first bought up the idea a year ago people kept replying "Crazy to buy in Colombia when you can rent cheaply" and "Too much of a headache" etc.. Anyway my point then and still is today that I am looking at a long term situation and explained back then that these events occur. However a lot of people completely disagreed with me saying they want to only keep dollars and withdraw accordingly. I also think the dollar is completely oversold and will bounce. I think that longer term the Peso will strengthen again but this move in the Peso could get reversed in two weeks. Look at last Spring. I guess my point should only be directed towards people who are looking at living in Colombia longer term. I myself am not moving to Argentina if the the Peso goes to 800 again. Rather I would just sell and stay here in the USA. In the meantime I will wait for an opportunity to invest money. Hopefully this summer if a Financial Event occurs (i.e. liquidity issue with this Yen Carry Trade).

lochdhu says on May 15, 2007, 12:01:

Greenspan is also hedging heavily agiasnt the US Dollar, if this is any indication of where the dollar is going.

Ctg Bound says on May 15, 2007, 12:08:

Brians You need to match outgoings to incomings, the No.1 rule any bank manager will tell you, if a person is living or planning on living in Colombia (or much anywhere else) for a reasonable amount of time, they should invest some money in something that generates an income from the local currency.

Many options available, not just real estate.

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 12:12:

CTG Bound agreed other options but I think Real Estate is easiest route. Would never touch their stock market. Bond rates generally don't work well as a inflation hedge and I don't want to run a business. The problem I a have is finding the correct properties. I know that market is probably also overheated but renters will always be available there as most don't own.

wcarmack says on May 15, 2007, 13:00:

I was happy at 25 to 1 back in 1973.

wcarmack says on May 15, 2007, 13:02:

Dollar's direction South, south, south.
Down, down, down.

Until the bleeding of the U.S. treasury stops.
woody

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 13:31:

Pastygringo Thanks for that site. I was looking at 90 day CDs in Colombia back in 1984 were 36.45%. Now that was inflation as the US topped out at around 16% on 90 day paper.

DonCuloBlanco says on May 15, 2007, 13:44:

If you want to make money in Colombia in a small business a Salon is a business that is a cash cow.

Simon says on May 15, 2007, 13:45:

GO PESOOOO!!! UP, UP, AND AWAY!!!!

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

DonCuloBlanco says on May 15, 2007, 13:46:

spoken like a true importer ...

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 13:59:

I tell you what Colombian Iflation ran at 4.87% from January through April if I am reading correctly. That gives us an annual rate of about 13%. There is no possible way the Peso can continue this run. We will see a nice correction very soon.

poco says on May 15, 2007, 14:14:

Way out of line - ie: Not Correct Also spoke of irrational exuberance when the market was at 700 and it then went like a rocket over 10K.

Statement was made is 1996 and the index refered to and hit the hardest was then NASDAQ. In 1996 when the speech was given the market went from 1,300 to 5,000 in about 3 years. Today the Nasdaq is 2,500.

The Dow average was 7,000 and went to 10,000 or so but never suffered the quick drastic drops. Gosh, I not sure why, maybe because people were paying HUGE stock prices for companies that WERE NOT making any money?

This is a chart of a 10 year period for the NASDAQ / DOW


10 year return, 100%, what if a person averaged into these indexs?

PS: This just has to be DG/GIB, no one else has such bad investment advise.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

DonCuloBlanco says on May 15, 2007, 14:19:

"The Dow average was 7,000 and went to 10,000 or so but never suffered the quick drastic drops" This statement of yours is genious. Thank you so much for informing me of history. Oh and thanks for the chart. You have said nothing that contradicts what I said but that is OK with me.

Well I think you know I meant 7,000 and not 700. So what is your point you just agreed with me. I also fail to see how any rational person can read what I wrote and consider it being investment advice? It was an opinion on Greenspan and nothing else. But then I see on this site people like to put words in your mouth and then attack you for them. Pathetic poco way pathetic.

But anyway if you want to attack Don Gringo or whoever than attack him. If you want to attack me then do so. This horseshit is really getting annoying!

The truth is poco I could buy and sell you any day of the week. I know it and I don't give a shit if you know it or not. ;)

poco says on May 15, 2007, 14:37:

Not an attack, clarification Well I think you know I meant 7,000 and not 700.

I did but the statement was most closely associated with the tech stock bust. Irrational Exuberance does not seem associated with other markets, before or since.

However, todays market is more global and stocks do have underlying profits and assets, pay dividends and many have large stock repurchase plans.

Someday,, things will turn but the turn will be global in nature. The U.S. has 5% of the population but a large percentage of the wealth. My bet is that China / India with approx. 50% of the worlds population will be where the fire works begin.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

gringoloid says on May 15, 2007, 14:58:

Ctg.....you say that there are many options available, not just real estate. Please tell us some of these other options. Gracias. (I'm finding it's hard to bring money into Colombia, btw).

And DonCuloblanco, (and you're killing me with this name!!), you mention a "Salon", are you talking a high end womens fashion tienda?

Brians says on May 15, 2007, 16:15:

Poco I think you guys agree. I understood what he meant. Greenspan was early and right. However calling market tops is not the job of a Fed Chairman. The interesting point you make I also agree with as it will be global in nature. However not because of valuations i.e. China and India have only about 5% Foreign ownership of their stocks. Those markets are really small in nature but have huge ratios based on agressive valuations. All asset classes have risen because of excessive liquidity created off of credit. Credit created from credit always ends badly. The Yen Carry trade has been a banking window for Hedge Funds to borrow and invest in just about every asset investable. If that currency moves the wrong way and that liquidity is taken out of the system then it is like draining a pool as all asset valuations fall. Now they have a trade surplus and account surplus so their curency actually should hold it's value. However I have learned in doing this 18 years the market always does what people don't expect. I am nervous about all valuations and someday this will end badly it could be next week or in 4 years. I don't know but it will be a shock to the system. Right now I just look at the dollar and can tell you that based on our research it is overvalued against 13 of the 16 emerging market currencies we follow (Not Colombia). I read an interview with a Hedge Fund manager last week were he said they were more like banks today. These type of things scare me. There is an incredible amount of leverage built up now. More so than we ever have seen. We assume all the systems work and I do believe they do but they have never really been tested with this type of leverage. We will see.

miamimike says on May 15, 2007, 16:20:

Poco Inflation is Low on CERTAIN items In The USA but Not on everything to classify USA as Low Inflation. As Evidence here in the Miami Area, Inflation is superheated on 2-3 Items that matter most(next to food) to middle-low Income Miamians. Those are: Homeowners Insurance, Real Estate Taxes, Car/Medical Insurance, not to mention the cost of Gasoline. Any of these have averaged 30% increases in the last 3-4 years and I would label that runaway Inflation by any standard and Miami is in the USA,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

panthdave says on May 15, 2007, 16:50:

Good Point Mike....and Good Point Dollar and Euro Down. I am happy with Colombia not just because of costs..which I live in Miami Dade County which has skyrocketed..Not getting into the Stock Market or Money Exchange, Even if the Peso goes to 1000 I will be still in Colombia or will say Medellin with my apartment I rent at this point but my problem is I enjoy Colombia and as long I have my job here in Miami the cost of living in Colomiba will not get close to Europe or Major Cities in the United States..which it won't well anything can happen.. I am happy in Colombia so thats what counts and enjoy the Country..



Peace Out

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

miamimike says on May 15, 2007, 17:23:

panthdave that is how I see Colombia as a place to enjoy and not really as some investment haven. I go because I enjoy it and as you mentioned, its still one of the best deals going even at the current exchange rate. BTW I was driving by the South Beach Chevron gas Station(by 5th Street and Euclid/michigan) last night Gas Prices were $3.44(rul) $3.55 (Midgrade) $3.65 (premium)Now that is inflation!!!!!!! Suck those tourists in!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

panthdave says on May 15, 2007, 17:38:

Miami Dade County 1.5 Bedroom Condo.....Aventura Mike you know..Aventura.. I bought for 43,000 that piece of crap which my ex wife has now is 150,000 for a piece of crap.. Still for a 150,000 in Medellin you have a nice apartment. I don't need a Pablo Apartment but you get a nice apartment and new..

The apartment in Aventura was built in 1975 and is 150,000 that is absolutely fockin crazy..and is falling apart...

Love Colombia and Enjoy Colombia let the Peso get stronger because I do want to start something in Medellin with my GF to get paid in Pesos and still have my job in Miami to have dollars..

Better I think for US Companies anyways more exports..because of price..So the US Companies better take advantage while they can..


Peace out will be in Medellin next week for my normal visit..and enjoy Memorial Day Weekend and won't be worrying about the stock market or money exchange..Going to Centro and stock up Veggies and Meat and my local liquor store down there which does not charge me tax..15,000 Pesos for a bottle of Jose Cuervo Anejo.can't beat that which I think at Winn Dixie Liquor Store is 20.00..
panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

miamimike says on May 15, 2007, 20:18:

Panthdave, where can you find a Condo for $150,000K In Adventura? That is a real find in this day and age, especially in Adventura. I remember when I bought my little North Miami Condo fore $17K in '96 ; wish I would have bought a half dozen at that price. Well they say Hindsight is 20/20,,,STill with some of the foreclosures starting to pop up in Miami there will be some good Deals. Always good deals if ya got da cash and time to snoop around,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

spigrimace says on May 16, 2007, 04:56:

Brians - Colombia Inflation rate Where did u get that number, because down here they are reporting about 5% - On track in the local news outlets.

But let´s say what you have is the correct rate, is it excluding volitile food and energy costs. (I always laugh how they exclude things that we NEED to by on a daily basis and include things we buy maybe once a year, if even)

The peso rising, the arepa holdng steady. jajaja

Brians says on May 16, 2007, 06:15:

Sprig I got the 4.87% YTD inflation number in Colombia from http://www.banrep.gov.co the site pastsygringo gave earlier in the thread. A lot of good information there. I was just reading our research this morning. Basically we still have our forecasts for Colombian Peso higher: Here they are as of this morning:
Table 2: LatAm forecast changes
Jun-

07June Sep Dec Mar- 08 Jun Sep Dec
New USD-COP 2150 2250 2250 2300 2250 2350 2400
Old USD-COP 2200 2350 2350 2300 2250 2350 2400


Sorry the columns don't line up as I cut and pasted but we have adjusted down the numbers based on Peso strength however trend still higher. The real risk is Carry Trade unwinds. These effect most emerging market currencies as they have been the choice liquidity homes as they are the higher yielding currencies. The carry trades appear strong but there is a 72% correlation with carry trade unwinds and the cheap central bank country raising rates (i.e. Japan although there are a ton of other carries going on). BOJ raised rates three months ago. We see another increase these trades get vulnerable quickly. Like I said this could happen any time but it will happen and the Peso in more vulnerable than the dollar. Our forcast is for these to unwind end of year Q1 2008. Look at the inflation data in Colombia vs. US the Peso is very overvaled. Just my thoughts.

mecca says on May 16, 2007, 10:28:

don't miss the huge sucking sound and US dollars are sucked out of colombia. The drop below 2000 will most probably impact any foreign investment. The sad part is that the end result will hit the guy or gal trying to find a 400k a month cop job.

elk says on May 17, 2007, 04:25:

The falling peso and jobs According to this article thousands of jobs will be lost in Medellin due to the falling dollar exchange rate. Exporters have taken future orders using a 2,150 COP exchange rate. I know personally foreigners are less likely to purchase real estate here in Medellin, including myself. It's a wait and see situation. Exporters will suffer in the coming months with the continued fall of the dollar with a related loss of jobs which will effect most everyone.

http://www.elcolombiano.com.co/BancoConocimiento/L/la_revaluacion_deja_sin_empleo_a_11200_personas/la_revaluacion_deja_sin_empleo_a_11200_personas.asp?codSeccion=59

Por culpa de la revaluación del peso han perdido su empleo 11.200 personas que trabajan en la industria de la confección en Antioquia.

La cifra es preocupante si se tiene en cuenta que corresponde a una encuesta entre las diez grandes empresas del sector, sin contar todos los pequeños talleres que les trabajan a estas compañías y que han perdido sus contratos.

Esas son empresas cuyas exportaciones estaban dirigidas en un 80 por ciento a Estados Unidos y el golpe ha sido muy duro, indicaron voceros de esta industria.

Israel Bluman, gerente de C.I. Iblu, que produce camisas y camisetas en un 95 por ciento para la exportación, señaló que la situación es tan grave que todos los presupuestos se fueron por el suelo.

"Previendo que el dólar seguiría a la baja, la empresa empezó este año cotizando sus operaciones al exterior a 2.150 pesos y con contratos a un año. Con el dólar por debajo de 2.000 pesos ya se puede imaginar cuál es la situación. Esto es una locura", observó.

Esta es una empresa mediana que tiene 350 personas y llegó a contar con 450, lo que significa que en el último año ha sacado 100 trabajadores.

El problema, explicó, es que esto no tiene freno y así es muy difícil cotizar a la hora de hacer un negocio con un comprador en el exterior.

Sus cálculos le indican que en el último año y dos meses han salido en Medellín de la industria de la confección más de 13.000 personas y 11.000 corresponde a las más grandes empresas del sector.

Agregó que, en un ambiente tan anormal como el actual, es muy difícil hacer coberturas, pues cuando el dólar va para abajo cada vez cubre menos.

Suben más los costos
Al analizar la situación, el presidente de Industrias El Cid, Guillermo Valencia Jaramillo, manifestó que el precio del dólar está en los niveles de abril del año 2000 y en estos siete años el incremento de los costos para las empresas de la confección es de un 70 por ciento, de cuya cifra el 50 por ciento corresponde a los costos de producción.

"Eso significa que para un sector como el de las confecciones, que depende fundamentalmente de la mano de obra, el golpe que recibe con la caída del dólar es directo. Ese aumento del 50 por ciento en los costos de producción es imposible recuperarlo a base de productividad", anotó.

Agregó que muchas empresas están trabajando hacia adentro para economizar costos y tratar de mantener el empleo, mientras que otras están saliendo, como es el caso de Index, donde no solo primó el caso de la revaluación sino la incertidumbre que se presentó en su momento sobre la extensión o no de los beneficios del Atpdea.

Sobre las medidas adoptadas por el Banco de la República, Valencia Jaramillo destacó que han estado dirigidas a frenar la inflación y que el gran problema es el gasto público y las monetizaciones producto de las privatizaciones que ha hecho el Gobierno.

"Falta hacer un gran esfuerzo y ojalá tuviéramos cero déficit fiscal para darle más espacio al sector privado", enfatizó.

Para Luis Mariano Sanín Echeverri, presidente de Textiles Fabricato Tejicóndor, los efectos negativos de la revaluación no se deben mirar solo para los exportadores, pues las empresas que producen para atender el mercado nacional también se ven perjudicadas por la cantidad de productos que están entrando a bajos precios y que las puede sacar del mercado.

Recordó el caso de la industria textil que, en la crisis, llegó a perder cien mil empleos.

Cuentas a mano alzada
Según las cifras, el empleo que se ha perdido en el sector de la confección en los últimos 14 meses supera las 13.000 personas y faltan datos de pequeños talleres, de los cuales no se tienen mayores indicadores.

Voceros del sector dijeron que los cálculos revelan que en C.I. Index, que salió del mercado, se perdieron unos 4.000 empleos; Expofaro está muy dedicada al mercado nacional y redujo a la mitad el número de trabajadores; y C.I. Jeans ha disminuido el empleo en un 40 por ciento.

En el sector textil el panorama tampoco es muy claro porque de tres laneras solo va a quedar una al integrarse Omnes, Fabrisedas e Indulana, en donde se van a perder unos 400 empleos.

Otra preocupación para los empresarios del sector textil y de la confección es que algunas compañías se están yendo de Medellín a ciudades como Barranquilla, ya que cuentan con estímulos tributarios.

La opinión
“Los que sufren con la revaluación no son solo los exportadores. También afecta a los productores nacionales que se ven perjudicados por las importaciones más baratas como los textiles�.
Luis Mariano Sanín, presidente de Fabricato Tejicóndor

“Si con una tasa de cambio por debajo de 2.000 pesos no podemos exportar y se encarece el crédito, también se va a deprimir la demanda agregada interna, afectando la economía�
Juan Alfredo Pinto Saavedra, presidente de Acopi

“La situación es muy difícil porque el sector de la confección, que tiene sus mercados en el exterior, depende de la cotización del dólar, así las empresas sean muy competitivas y se modernicen�.
Guillermo Valencia Jaramillo, presidente de Industrias El Cid

panthdave says on May 18, 2007, 11:05:

I would think Exporters would get Hurt... Our Flower wholesalers though here in Miami have not raised there prices just yet..I am in the Corporate and Social Event business which involves many centerpieces which we purchase many boxes of flowers from the wholesalers in Local S.Florida..Wholesalers also know if they raise prices we would look elsewhere,
Noticed one wholesaler now going with Ecuador instead of Colombia on the Roses..just recently

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami