Las Vegas hosted Sourcing at Magic from February 16 to 19, 2015. There were more than 40 countries represented at the gargantuan show, where companies manufacturing everything from athletic wear to zippers were represented. Chinese exhibitors made up more than half the show.

This season, the focus was on Egypt and its 25 qualifying industrial zones, where apparel made in the zones get duty-free entry into the United States under a trade-preference program. One advantage is that input materials such as fabric and trim can come from anywhere, such as China or India, but at least 10.5 per cent direct input, such as packaging, zippers or thread, must come from Israel and 24.5 per cent direct input must come from Egypt. Duty-free entry can shave off up to 32 per cent in tariffs.

This trade-preference program was started in 2005 to promote peace between Israel and Egypt as well as to help the region grow its economy. On the exhibit floor, there were 30 Egyptian companies exhibiting, many for the first time. One of these was Lotus Garments, which makes blue jeans for brand names such as Levi’s, Jessica Simpson, Polo Ralph Lauren and Wrangler.

www.magiconline.com/sourcing-at-magic