U.S. Commerce Dept. Marshals Resources
Of U.S. Energy Dept. Researchers To Help Protect Textile Industry
The
U.S. Commerce Department, as part of its long-term, on-going effort
to address trade challenges facing the U.S. textile industry, today
secured the expertise of the Energy Departments Oak Ridge research
facility to help fight fraudulent foreign trading practices that harm
the U.S. industry.
U.S.
apparel import preference programs require the use of U.S. fabrics
and yarns. However, the origin of fabrics and yarns is difficult to
determine, compromising enforcement of these programs. Todays
agreement sets Oak Ridge researchers in motion to assess technologies
that could be brought to bear to create a cost-effective textile marker
system that would be practical for use by U.S. textile manufacturers
and the Customs Service (which is responsible for enforcing the textile
and apparel preference laws). Private industry will be consulted as
part of the project, which has been put on a fast track, with findings
expected within 30 days.
Last
January, Commerce Secretary Don Evans announced the formation of an
interagency Textile Working Group. Since then, the group has focused
on a variety of issues affecting American textile companies and workers,
including implementation of textile agreements, export expansion for
textiles and apparel, tariff preference programs, transshipment, trade
adjustment assistance, negotiating objectives, and compliance and
enforcement.
Americas
textile workers deserve a level playing field, and this project is
aimed at ensuring just that, said U.S. Commerce Secretary Don
Evans. Were bringing in the best and brightest in technology
research and development to help us crack down on cheaters and make
sure the laws on the books are enforced.
Evans
and other senior trade officials have traveled to textile country
frequently over the past year and a half to discuss this and other
challenges facing the textile industry with workers and industry leaders.