Washington DC)  Noting that China represents the single greatest threat to the livelihoods of textile workers in the history of the industry, NCTO praised the Bush Administration for its decision to formally consult with members of Congress and the domestic industry as it  moves to address the ongoing surge in China’s textile and apparel imports into the United States.

NCTO President Cass Johnson, said,  “By using its currency as an economic weapon and by pouring billions of dollars of illegal subsidies into its textile sector, the Chinese government has effectively declared war on U.S. textile producers and its workers.  As a result, Chinese exports of apparel to the United States have increased by over 800 million garments in just the first five months of the year.  At the same time, U.S. textile and apparel job losses have accelerated, with 26,000 good paying jobs lost and 19 textile plants closed.  A longer term solution to China’s unfair trade practices is needed and a tight multi-year term agreement is an important first step.

We applaud members of Congress who have been helpful in moving these discussions forward and look forward to working with them further on a solution to the China problem.  NCTO also recognizes Ambassador Portman and Commerce Secretary Gutierrez for their ongoing efforts regarding China and we also welcome the opportunity to consult with them on the industry’s priorities as we move forward with this process.”

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE U.S. TEXTILE INDUSTRY

·         The combined US textile sector – including fibers, yarns and fabrics, machinery, apparel and finished textile products – employs nearly one million workers (973,000).

·         The U.S. textile industry continues to invest aggressively in capital improvements and this has been a cornerstone of the industry’s competitive strategy.  Industry has invested $34 billion in new equipment in the United States over the past ten years. 

·         The U.S. textile industry is the 3rd largest exporter of textile products in the world - more than $14 billion last year – with exports to more than 55 countries around the world, including China. 

The U.S. textile industry supplies more than 5,000 products to the U.S. military and maintaining the ability to supply these products is critical to our national security.