On August 1, CITA announced its decision to extend the period for making a determination on these cases in order to consult with our domestic textile and apparel industry and members of Congress about whether to pursue a broader agreement with China on imports of Chinese textile and apparel products.
On August 31, CITA announced its decision to further extend the period for making a determination on these cases in order to further evaluate conditions in the market for these products.
CITA's procedures state that CITA will make a determination within 60 calendar days of the close of the public comment period as to whether the United States will request consultations with China. If CITA is unable to make a determination within 60 calendar days, it will cause a notice to be published in the Federal Register that includes the date by which it will make a determination.
On August 16-17, 2005, the United States commenced negotiations with China on a broad textile agreement.
These negotiations continued on August 30-31, 2005, and September 26-28, 2005. Further negotiations will be scheduled in the near future.
CITA will publish shortly Federal Register notices of today's announcement.
Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, USA