NCTO urges action to reverse decline in US textile manufacturing

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has urged the US government to strengthen domestic textile industry and counter unfair trade practices by China. Kim Glas, head of NCTO, testified at a hearing on supply chain resilience. She highlighted the importance of textiles for national security and public health. However, unfair practices by China threaten US factories. Glas pointed to subsidized Chinese inputs, potential forced labor, and weak environmental standards.

A key demand is to close the "de minimis loophole" allowing duty-free entry for small packages. Many of these packages, often textiles from China, escape inspection. Glas linked them to human rights violations and dangerous goods.

She praised a recent enforcement plan by the Department of Homeland Security but called for stronger action, including increased penalties for illegal trade. To revive the industry, Glas proposed several steps: closing the de minimis loophole, stricter enforcement, preserving yarn forward rules of origin, and tax incentives for domestic production.

China is strategically gaining control of textiles, Glas warned. The US must act to counter this challenge from a growing rival.