US: TPP could help textile and apparel exports

Via Just Style

By Richard Woodard

As the latest round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade talks gets underway, US apparel and footwear retailers and importers have been talking up the pact's ability to boost exports, create jobs and benefit US consumers.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) said a correctly structured TPP could help generate US textile and apparel exports.

To be successful, it argued, the agreement needed to update from the base yarn-forward rule of origin approach pursued in previous agreements, recognising that the US textile and apparel industry is highly dependent on access to the global market and global suppliers.

The agreement would also need to adopt flexibilities – including those negotiated in previous FTAs – to help create export opportunities, reflecting available textile inputs and the continuing globalisation of US brands.

The AAFA also believes that the TPP should incentivise US exports to TPP partner countries, while creating opportunities through reciprocal duty free access.

Negotiators from 12 countries are involved in the 19th round of TPP talks taking place this week in Brunei. The hope is that negotiations can conclude later this year, in Bali in October or in the same location in December.