US allows duty-free apparel from CAFTA-DR using specific nylon fabric.

Good news for apparel manufacturers in the Dominican Republic, Central America, and the United States! The US Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has ruled that specific nylon dobby weave fabrics are not readily available in these countries. As a result, these fabrics have been added to a special list, allowing duty-free import of apparel made with them, regardless of where the fabric itself originates.

This decision stems from a request by Powers Athletic, a US apparel company, who argued they couldn't find the fabric domestically in sufficient quantities. CITA investigated and agreed, adding the fabric (100 per cent nylon, specific yarn sizes, dobby weave) to the list.

This means apparel manufacturers in the CAFTA-DR region can now use this fabric for duty-free exports to the US, potentially boosting their competitiveness. This is a significant development for the textile industry, demonstrating CITA's commitment to supporting domestic manufacturers while promoting fair trade practices within the CAFTA-DR agreement.

It's important to note that the list of fabrics eligible for duty-free import is dynamic, and CITA regularly reviews requests based on market conditions.