Panel SA: Apparel calibrates expectations and maintains optimism despite hot winter

The apparel sector follows the warm temperatures in winter this year, but still expects the cold to manifest itself later on. The sector’s attention to the thermometer is great because, traditionally, the winter helps in the movement of commerce.

In industry, according to Fernando Pimentel, president of Abit (which brings together the textile and clothing segments), forecasts for the second half are more optimistic in the economic area.

Some segments are evolving further, finding a balance between supply and demand with orders starting to come back.

“Resources from aid come, the salary mass is growing, but the average income is still below what it was before because of the inflationary process”, says Pimentel.

He points out that there are still clouds on the horizon and outlines a scenario of uncertainty due to the electoral process and volatility of oil and exchange rates, but maintains optimistic perspectives.

“I think that the most acute phase of the inflationary process has passed, apparently. The pressure on the families’ budget is reduced a little and there are salary readjustments that restore part of the purchasing power. We cannot say that it will be a quiet second semester because the world is not calm. But we estimate to close the year with slight growth, tying”, he says.

Joana Cunha with Paulo Ricardo Martins and Gilmara Santos