Chinese and US trade negotiators are expected to meet again soon
to try to reach an agreement concerning US imports of three types
of textile and clothing products. The first round of bilateral
discussions was held on January 12 and 13, ending without an
agreement being reached.
The US Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements
(CITA) decided on November 18 to invoke safeguard relief. The
measure applied to Chinese knit fabric, bras and dressing
gowns.
On December 23, the US government formally requested
consultation with China on the three types of textiles and clothing
products. At that time, exports of the products became subject to
import quotas that could last for 12 months if no agreement is
reached by March 23.
China has limited its shipments of the three types of products
to the amount imported by the US in the 12-month period that ended
on 30 September 2003, plus 7.5 percent.
An official from the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import
and Export of Textiles, who declined to be named, said the exports
and prices of knit fabric, bras and dressing gowns have been
registered by customs since January.
Exporters of the products have established groups to set export
quantities and prices, he said.
In related news, Chinese negotiators met Peruvian officials on
Tuesday to settle textile trade disputes.
Both sides expect to reach a positive outcome before an interim
safeguard measure on Chinese textile exports to Peru expires. Peru
invoked the 200-day-long safeguard relief on 106 Chinese textile
imports on December 23.
The measure cuts imports of the Chinese products by 70 percent
year-on-year, with volumes exceeding that cap subject to punitive
duties. The Peruvian government will decide whether to extend the
measure after its initial expiration.
The European textile industry is also urging the European Union
to clamp down on surging Chinese exports, citing concerns China
will grow to dominate the world's textile trade.
Industry leaders said they have planned a formal complaint to be
handed to the European Commission.
Chinese officials respond that such protectionist moves will
benefit no one.
(China Daily February 26, 2004)