TPP trade talks need a Plan B for garments

The multi-lateral Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade talks between the US and eight Pacific Rim nations continue to divide US textile makers, apparel retailers and importers. But could they provide a perfect opportunity to change the way US garment-related free trade agreements are negotiated?

Comment: TPP trade talks need a Plan B for garments

3 May 2012

The multi-lateral Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade talks between the US and eight Pacific Rim nations provides the perfect opportunity to change the way US garment-related free trade agreements are negotiated, writes David Birnbaum.

US: New call for flexible TPP textile and apparel rules

2 May 2012

A group of US lawmakers has repeated calls for "more flexible" textile and apparel rules in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, ahead of the latest round of talks which take place in Dallas, Texas next week.

US: Lawmakers call for fair treatment of footwear in TPP

18 April 2012

A group of US lawmakers is calling for "fair treatment" of footwear in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact - saying that the talks could be used to mark the start of a new approach to footwear trade.

Speaking with style: Francisco Sánchez, US Department of Commerce

11 April 2012

New bilateral trade deals struck by the Obama administration with South Korea, Panama and Columbia should have a positive impact on the US textile and clothing sector, Francisco Sánchez, Under-Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, tells just-style.

US: Report identifies barriers to apparel and textile trade

3 April 2012

China, India, Argentina and Brazil are among countries listed as obstructing US apparel and textile exports around the world, according to an annual report from the US Trade Representative's office.

US: New global group calls for strict textile rules in TPP

1 March 2012

As the 11th round of negotiations of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement gets underway in Melbourne, Australia, this week, a new global coalition of fibre, textile and apparel groups from 30 countries is calling for strict textile rules as part of the pact.