More Safeguards Protection Sought By Industry

A  coalition of fiber, textile and apparel manufacturers has petitioned the government to
extend for another year import quotas imposed last December on two product categories using the
safeguard mechanism in China’s accession to the World Trade Organization agreement. Extensions of
quotas permitting 7.5-percent annual growth are being sought for knit fabric and dressing gowns and
robes. A petition covering a third product category brassieres is expected in the near future. In
addition, the coalition has petitions covering eight more product categories pending before the
Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. CITA currently is seeking public comment on
those petitions. China and US importing interests are expected to challenge the extensions and the
other petitions that have been filed on the basis of a threat of market disruption.

December 2004

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