China Textile Quotas for 2008 Published

On November 30, 2007, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) issued a directive to the Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection establishing limits for calendar year 2008. This is the third and final year of the U.S.-China Bilateral Agreement limiting textile and apparel imports.

For more information see the Members-Only area of the NTA website.

China To End Subsidies Challenged by the United States in WTO Dispute

WASHINGTON (Nov. 29) – U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab today announced that China has agreed to terminate subsidies that the United States alleged were illegal under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

David Trumbull Appointed to High Level Trade Advisory Committee

On November 9, 2007, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab appointed David Trumbull to serve on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Textiles and Clothing (ITAC 13) as a representative from the National Textile Association and the U.S. textile industry sector. Mr. Trumbull will be joining 36 other members of ITAC 13 as an advisor to the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative on U.S. trade policy and negotiating objectives relating to textiles and clothing.

In appointing Mr. Trumbull, Secretary Gutierrez and USTR Schwab stated, "Your industry expertise is critical to the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative in pursuing trade objectives that reflect the concerns and interests of the private sector. We look forward to working with you in developing and implementing trade policies that serve your industry and the national interest." As a member of the ITAC Mr. Trumbull will have access to classified information up to and including secret.

Mr. Trumbull has been employed by the National Textile Association in Boston since 1994 where he assists the domestic U.S. textile industry with his expertise in U.S. textile trade laws and regulation and international textile agreements. He is a 1991 graduate of the University of Michigan. Mr. Trumbull and his wife Mary DiZazzo Trumbull live in Boston's historic Beacon Hill district.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, "The ITACs are an integral link between industry and the U.S. Government. ITACs provide a uniquely public-private forum to ensure industry has a voice in formulating the trade policy of the U.S. The industry advisors serving on the ITACs provide valuable input as the Administration advances its trade agenda to improve economic opportunities for America's businesses, workers, and consumers."

CPSC Releases November 2007 Briefing on Upholstered Flammability

CPSC has released its November 2007 briefing package (200 pages) on upholstered furniture flammability. More details are available at the Members Only area of the NTA website.

NTA Files Opposition to Proposed Upholstery FTZ

The Dept. of Commerce announced (72 FR 43232, August 3, 2007) that applications had been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board by Bauhaus USA, Inc., H.M. Richards, Inc., and Lane Furniture Industries, Inc. for upholstered furniture manufacturing facilities in Mississippi. NTA submitted comments in opposition to the proposal which would allow duty-free importation of certain upholstery fabrics.