Since November 2005, ITA has worked with Hickory, NC-based Hosiery Technology Center (HTC) to boost the competitiveness of U.S. hosiery producers. HTC helps ensure a high level of quality with its research and testing activity. However, HTC also works closely with ITA to prepare U.S. firms to enter new foreign markets and to continue to commit to those markets. Trade events that HTC and ITA helped to organize in Japan and Germany have been so successful that several U.S. firms now continue to return to those markets on their own.

HTC remains commited to helping more U.S. firms with a staff member dedicated to working with U.S. firms at foreign trade events. ITA staff also continue to provide pre-event planning and onsite support at these and other events. HTC's strategy has paid off. Many U.S. hosiery producers who have suffered from waning domestic orders in recent years have found that consumers in Japan and northern Europe appreciate the kind of quality hosiery that U.S. producers offer. Several U.S. firms have secured supply contracts in new markets. Since HTC began its MDCP partnership with ITA in November 2005, it has helped U.S. firms generate more than $26 million in exports.

North Carolina-based Export Assistance Center and Washington, DC-based industry experts help the Hosiery Technology Center translate use of a quality seal into sales to choosy foreign consumers.

Key Facts:

Cooperator: Hosiery Technology Center (Hickory, NC)

Industry: Hosiery

Markets: Japan, Northern Europe

MDCP award: $397,000

HTC match: $966,000

MDCP generated exports: $26,487,985

Period: 2005-2008

Scope of project: Trade missions, facilitating e-commerce with web sites, developing foreign and domestic trade show booths, introducing socks made from corn fiber (Ingeo) with partner Cargill.

Key ITA Team Members: Office of Textiles and Apparel; Commercial Service Charlotte/ Tokyo/Oslo/Stuttgart.