NCTO urges tariff action to counter China's textile dominance

Kim Glas, President of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), has voiced concerns over the Biden administration's recent review of Section 301 tariffs, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining penalties on finished textiles imported from China. Glas has also advocated for an increase in tariffs on specific personal protective equipment (PPE) imports.

Expressing disappointment over what she perceives as a missed opportunity to address China's dominance in the US textile market, Glas has highlighted the country's alleged predatory trade practices and illegal subsidies. She stressed the urgent need for action to counter China's influence and protect domestic manufacturers from unfair competition.

Glas pointed to the challenges faced by the industry due to China's dumping practices, calling for higher tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports to ease economic pressures on American manufacturers. She underscored the significance of the textile industry for national security and urged the administration to address China's alleged exploitation of the market through subsidized and illicit exports.

The plea for action comes at a time when domestic textile manufacturers are experiencing a significant decline, which Glas attributes to China's tactics of undercutting and the de minimis loophole. She urged the administration to consider implementing escalated tariffs to safeguard American jobs and restore competitiveness in an industry critical for supplying essential PPE items.