China : Textile quota extension must be mutually agreeable - Mandelson

Under the EU - China September 2005 agreement, 10 categories of Chinese textile imports will be no longer subject to quota restrictions from January 1, 2008 onwards.

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said at recent trade seminar in Italy, that EU would closely monitor textile imports from China before the expiration of the quota system.

Mandelson also noted that to extension of quotas should be mutually agreeable. He stressed that the EU is working with the Asian giant on implementation of a voluntary agreement, so EU would not unilaterally impose import quotas on Chinese textiles and apparel.

Considering the strength in China's textile exports and protective measures to be terminated by the end of 2007, European garment manufacturers have long urged the authorities to maintain the existing quotas.

European industry has also expressed concern that since similar US import quotas on Chinese textiles end by 2008, EU will be the only major export destination for these products next year.

Mandelson also said that tariffs, quotas and other protective measures would not eliminate competitions from China or other Asian countries. European manufacturers must rely on constant innovation to cope with the competitions from countries with lower labor and production costs.
 
 
Fibre2fashion, News Desk - China