ITC: China to become “supplier of choice” for U.S. textile importers

ITC: China to become “supplier of choice” for U.S. textile importers

ITC: China to become “supplier of choice” for U.S. textile importers

   The U.S. International Trade Commission released a report that predicts China will become the “supplier of choice” for U.S. textile and apparel importers after the phaseout of quotas in 2005.

   The U.S. Trade Representative requested the report to determine what might be the effect on American textile and apparel imports when the Uruguay Round Agreement on Textiles and Clothing becomes effective Jan. 1, 2005.

   “China can make almost any type of textile and apparel product at any quality level at a competitive price,” the ITC said. “However, the extent to which China continues to expand its shipments following quota elimination in 2005 will be tempered by the uncertainty over the use by the United States of a textile-specific safeguard provision contained in China’s WTO protocol of accession.”

   To reduce the risk of sourcing from only one country, the ITC encourages U.S. importers to expand trade relationships with other low-cost countries as textile and apparel alternatives to China, such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

   To review the complete ITC report: “Textiles and Apparel: Assessment of the Competitiveness of Certain Foreign Suppliers to the U.S. Market (Investigation No. 332-448), online at http://www.usitc.gov.