What ails the Canadian textile industry?

06 Jul '05

3 min read

Canadian textile industry is facing the heat, as low-priced Chinese imports seem bend the industry on its knees.

Further, the Government despite several representations to plug the unhindered flow of cheap apparel, garments, T-shirts, jeans, inner wears and many other products from the dragon country, remains unresponsive rubbing salt on the bruised spirit of the textile industry.

Matters have turned worse with the ending of the ATC or the Multi Fibre Agreement under the World Trade Organization that has its hands full currently, grappling the vexed issue of textiles exports from China.

Industry insiders demand the US and the EU like discriminatory action that places restrictions textiles and clothing imports from China, which the latter has been openly opposing in the world fora.

Apparel and textiles is the sixth largest manufacturing employer in Canada, and Montreal is the third-largest apparel manufacturing centre in North America, trailing only Los Angeles and New York, speaks eloquently of the industry importance it exudes.

Alex Dagg, the Canadian Director and Executive Vice President of UNITE HERE, a labor watchdog organization representing members working in the apparel, textile, laundry, distribution, hotel and food services industries, has been spearheading the fight for capping imports form China.

He fears that apparel and textile goods are also flooding the Canadian markets and its effect will culminate in workers going without jobs, unless Ottawa wakes up to fight back.

More Textiles News - Canada...