Bush administration's action will save thousands of US textile jobs: NTCO
14 May '05
3 min read
NCTO hailed the decision today by the Bush Administration to return China to quota control on the product areas that represent more jobs in the domestic industry than any others, namely cotton trousers, cotton knit shirts and underwear.
Cass Johnson, President of NCTO said, “The fast action to re-impose quotas by the Bush Administration today has saved thousands of textile jobs in this country and we are extremely grateful. By expediting its decision-making process and moving quickly to impose safeguards, the U.S. government sent a strong message that it understands the real crisis that these enormous surges present to our workers."
"The government acted faster today than it has ever acted before. Six weeks ago, for the first time ever, the government released comprehensive preliminary data on Chinese imports. Three days later, the government self-initiated investigations on the biggest categories affected by this surge. Today, less than one week after the official comment period on those investigations closed, the government has imposed new quotas on Chinese imports.
This fast action by the government saves U.S. jobs. Given the enormous surge from China – more than 1,500 percent in cotton trousers – China would have caused enormous U.S. job losses if the government had not made a quick decision. Based on current Chinese export trends, Chinese quotas could have been as much as 19 times their 2004 trade levels if the government had not moved quickly.
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