Following their broad memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Government last month (See BOSS_0546), the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has dismissed all pending petitions to further limit trade with China and released products in five categories currently embargoed. Cotton knit tops, cotton pants, underwear, man-made fiber knit tops, and man-made fiber pants were allowed entry or withdrawal from warehouse from November 28 through December 2, 2005. Embargoed products in categories not covered will still be subject to staged entry beginning February 1.

This decision only applies to the 2005 calendar year and no agreement has been reached concerning 2006. On January 1, all petitions to limit entry of textiles produced in China may be re-submitted, and CITA will put them up for consideration. This includes potential limits on the importation of waterproof-breathable jackets and pants, as well as soft shells, fleece, and other apparel vital to the outdoor and snow sports industries.

Both OIA and SIA continue to watch the situation closely and work with members of CITA and the Department of Commerce to find a solution to these conflicts between different sectors of the vendor and manufacturing industries. OIA fully expects various textile groups to apply for safeguards in these categories next year, and there is no language in CITA’s recent decision to stop them. In an effort to make the industry’s case known on Capital Hill, OIA is going to DC with several major member companies next week to meet with the Dept. of Commerce, CITA, and Congress to try to adjust the narrow ski pant definition to reflect OIA’s broader pant and jacket definition developed with the assistance of these major apparel members.

OIA’s president, Frank Hugelmeyer, told SEW that if they are able to secure a permanent exemption on these broad definitions for technical outwear jackets and pants, it will end the industry’s exposure to petitions during the next three years.