China-US textile talks make progress, but no deal (Reuters) Updated: 2005-09-28 20:10
U.S. textile groups have pushed the Bush administration to try to negotiate
an agreement that would restrict 30 or more categories of clothing and textile
imports from China through 2008, when the safeguard provision expires.
"The Chinese do seem to be negotiating more on scope (or the number of
products covered). That seems to be where the focus is right now," the textile
industry aide said.
One sticking point is China's desire for Washington to promise it would
exercise restraint in using the safeguard provision if Beijing agrees to
voluntary curbs on its clothing exports to the United States, the industry aide
said.
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman has said Washington would not give up
its right to use the measure when there is a market-disrupting surge not covered
by the pact. The EU agreed to the restraint provision in its pact with China.
U.S. clothing importers and retailers want flexibility built into the pact so
they can draw on the next year's quota if the current year's quota is filled, or
shift items from one quota category to another.
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