Thursday, May 19, 2005

Government limits imports of combed cotton yarn from China

WASHINGTON - A government committee today agreed to put in place quotas that will limit the import of combed cotton yarn from China.

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determined that combed cotton yarn from China is threatening to disrupt the U.S. market. Imports of men's and boys cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit; man-made fiber trousers; and man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses will also be limited.

As a result of the decision, CITA will request consultations with China before the end of May.

The quota levels put in place will be 7.5 percent above the level of imports reached during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month that the request for consultations is made. The quota level will be prorated to correspond to the number of days left in the year as of the date of the request for consultations.