For Immediate Release: January 18, 2008
Contact: Brittany Eck  (202) 482-3809

ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES INTENT TO APPLY SAFEGUARD ON COTTON SOCKS FROM HONDURAS

WASHINGTON – The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) today announced it has voted to notify Honduras of its intent to apply a textile safeguard measure on cotton socks imported into the United States. CITA is an interagency committee, chaired by Matt Priest, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel for the Department of Commerce. CITA includes representatives from the Departments of State, Treasury, and Labor, and the United States Trade Representative.

"CITA reached this decision after careful consideration of all available information and comments submitted by all interested parties. The substantial increases in imports of cotton socks from Honduras found during the investigation have led CITA to move forward with the safeguard process in accordance with the Agreement," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Matt Priest. "The Administration takes its trade agreements very seriously and remains committed to upholding its responsibilities under the DR-CAFTA Agreement."

CITA made a determination that a safeguard measure is warranted with respect to imports of Honduran origin cotton socks based on the substantial growth in imports from Honduras. Imports of cotton socks from Honduras were 27.3 million dozen pairs through the first eleven months of 2007, an increase of 99% from the same period a year earlier. Based on the substantial level of imports of cotton socks, CITA determined that it will not, at this time, make a determination to apply a safeguard measure with respect to wool and man-made fiber socks.

The DR-CAFTA Agreement provides that, following receipt of written notice, Honduras may request consultations, which must be concluded within 60 days. CITA will then have 30 days to make its final determination on whether to apply a safeguard measure.

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