Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce will review “Vueltiao” style hats imported from China amid claims that 50,000 families will be affected by the counterfeits, local media reported on Friday.
The Vueltiao hats, considered a cultural symbol in Colombia, are manufactured solely in the town of Tuchin in northern Colombia and can sell for up to $85, Chinese variants, however, are being sold for around $5.
Despite obvious differences in quality, Colombian senator Bernardo Miguel Elias expressed his concerns that the new Chinese-made hats will affect upwards of 50,000 hat makers, further noting that “these price differences will lead to bankruptcy.”
The senator started a petition, which he claims has been welcomed by members of Congress, addressed to Sergio Diaz-Granados, Colombia’s minister of trade, suggesting that new laws be implemented to find irregularities in the imported hats and apply necessary sanctions.
“Apply all fines and restrictions,” said the senator, “but if it is a legal process that is necessary for the Ministry of Trade and Culture to implement, it is better than a rescue plan.”
