[Federal Register: May 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 99)] [Notices] [Page 27992-27993] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22my03-63] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Denial of Commercial Availability Request under the United States - Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) May 16, 2003. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Denial of the request alleging that certain cotton corduroy fabrics, for use in apparel articles, cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner under the ATPDEA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On March 17, 2003 the Chairman of CITA received a petition from Breaker Jeanswear/ARC International alleging that certain dyed cotton corduroy fabrics (see Annex I for product specifications), classified in subheading 5801.22.90 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in apparel articles including men's and boys' jackets and pants, women's and girls' jackets, dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants, cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. It requested that apparel of such fabrics be eligible for preferential treatment under the ATPDEA. Based on currently available information, CITA has determined that these subject fabrics can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and therefore denies the request. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 22, 2003. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Stetson, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-3400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 (b)(3)(B)(ii) of the ATPDEA, Presidential Proclamation 7616 of October 31, 2002, Executive Order 13277 of November 19, 2002, and the United States Trade Representative's Notice of Further Assignment of Functions of November 25, 2002 (67 FR 71606). BACKGROUND: The ATPDEA provides for quota- and duty-free treatment for qualifying textile and apparel products. Such treatment is generally limited to products manufactured from yarns and fabrics formed in the United States or a beneficiary country. The ATPDEA also provides for quota- and duty-free [[Page 27993]] treatment for apparel articles that are both cut (or knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries from fabric or yarn that is not formed in the United States or a beneficiary country, if it has been determined that such fabric or yarn cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 13277 (67 FR 70305) and the United States Trade Representative's Notice of Redelegation of Authority and Further Assignment of Functions (67 FR 71606), the President's authority to determine whether yarns or fabrics cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner under the ATPDEA is exercised by CITA. On March 17, 2003, the Chairman of CITA received a petition from Breaker Jeanswear/ARC International of Miami, Florida, alleging that certain dyed cotton corduroy fabrics, (see Annex I for product specifications), classified in subheading 5801.22.90 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in apparel articles including men's and boys' jackets and pants, women's and girls' jackets, dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants, cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and requesting quota- and duty-free treatment under the ATPDEA for apparel articles that are both cut and sewn in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries from such fabrics. On March 24, 2003, CITA solicited public comments regarding this request, particularly with respect to whether these fabrics can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. On April 10, 2003, CITA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative offered to hold consultations with the relevant Congressional committees. We also requested the advice of the U.S. International Trade Commission and the relevant Industry Sector Advisory Committees. CITA has determined that certain dyed cotton corduroy fabrics, classified in subheading 5801.22.90 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in apparel articles including men's and boys' jackets and pants, women's and girls' jackets, dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants, can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Breaker Jeanswear/ARC International's request is denied. D. Michael Hutchinson, Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. Annex I ........................................ Product Specifica-tions: ........................................ 1. Dyed Corduroy Fabric: ........................................ Fiber Com-position: 100 % cotton Fabric weight: 271 g/m2 (grams per square meter) Construction: Woven 20 x 45, 16s x 16s 6 - 8 wales per centimeter 2. Dyed Corduroy Fabric: ........................................ Fiber Composition(s): 98% cotton, 2% spandex 97% cotton, 3% spandex Fabric weight: 271g/m2 (grams per square meter) Construction: Woven 20 x 45, 16s x 16s plus 70 denier (spandex) 6-8 wales per centimeter [FR Doc. 03-12897 Filed 5-21-03; 8:45 am]