More than 350 international auto part manufacturers and distributors gather in Panama each year for one of the most widely-acclaimed automotive trade shows in Latin America and the Caribbean – the LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO. This year, the show is set to take place July 25-27, 2018 at the ATLAPA Convention Center in Panama City, Republic of Panama. The LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO is annually promoted by the US Department of Commerce, who endorses the exhibition as an excellent opportunity for companies to showcase their products.
The International Trade Administration (ITA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has been working to attract more U.S. businesses to export to Latin America. As part of its “Look South” initiative, the ITA has identified 27 sectors of industry that would be especially attractive to U.S. exporters. For the automotive parts and supplies sector, nine countries are identified as specific market targets: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama.
The aftermarket sector will play a major role at the exhibition this year, where several major brands will showcase a wide variety of aftermarket products. Some of those companies include Automann USA, Autopart International, Berryman Products, EMG International, Mighty Auto Parts, Omega Environmental Technologies, S&S Truck Parts, The Parts House, Walker Products, Zen S.A., Zeta Trading, to name a few.
Ronnie Barassi, the Director of International Sales for Might Auto Parts, a provider/distributor of lubricant products to the global aftermarket, says the exhibition has been worthwhile for his company. He states:
“We are exploring our products in the [Latin American] region, and there has been a lot of influence at the show from Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, to Panama”.
Members of the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) agree that Latin America is a major growth area for the global automotive aftermarket. “Mexico, South and Central America are opportunities for growth, due to older vehicle age and repair history,” a member commented.
For auto part companies looking to enter or expand their market share in Latin America and the Caribbean, Panama is the place to be this July 25-27, 2018. Spaces are limited and the show sells out each year. For companies interested in joining a renowned list of international exhibitors, please email alexandra@latinpartsexpo.com, call +1 786-293-5186 or visit www.latinpartsexpo.com
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