A wish list of measures will be presented ahead of the expiry of quotas in January
Hong Kong's textile industry will present United States trade officials with a 'wish list' of measures this month amid concerns that the end of global quotas in January could lead to market disruptions.
James Leonard, chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (Cita), and US Customs textile enforcement director Janet Labuda will visit Hong Kong this month and meet local industry representatives, according to Peter Liu Sin-shing, chairman of the textile and apparel committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
The wish list, prepared by the Textile Council of Hong Kong, might include a proposal that the US allow special bonded warehouse zones on American territory to store Chinese garments in warehouses for the last few months of this year, Mr Liu said.
The purpose of such a proposal is to ensure a smooth supply of Chinese garments to US buyers as some of this year's quotas have been used up, creating the potential for shortage around January.
When all textile quotas expire on January 1, the stored Chinese garments could then be quickly distributed to US buyers.
Rumours have been circulating among textile re-exporters that they can start shipping their goods without regard to the quotas before the end of the year.
