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Fifth District Rep. Virginia Foxx expressed her support of the U.S. Department of Commerce for taking action this week to protect American textile and apparel manufacturing jobs. She also joined four major American textile associations in calling for tougher restrictions on textile and clothing imports from China. Textile manufacturers have been asking the Bush administration to take action since he took office in 2001. Thousands of jobs have been lost to the flood of both legal and illegal imports.

“I commend Commerce Secretary Gutierrez for self-initiating the China Textile Safeguard on cotton trousers, shirts and underwear,” said Rep. Foxx. “Too many North Carolinians have lost their textile manufacturing jobs since the quotas on Chinese imports were lifted at the beginning of this year. It is unfair that China has been able to subsidize its industry and export its products without any limitations. No industry playing by free-market rules can compete with a country that allows illegal currency manipulation, state-owned enterprises and reduced or free utilities. ”

Foxx said that Secretary Gutierrez has taken a “good first step” in addressing the problem but pointed out that more categories of American textiles need protection. Today the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, the National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Textile Association and the National Cotton Council of America filed seven petitions to limit additional categories of textile imports from China. Hosiery manufacturers in particular have expressed a dire need for help, including Mount Airy's Kentucky Derby Hosiery.

The categories include both cotton and man-made fiber versions of non-knit shirts, sweaters, brassieres, dressing gowns and fabrics as well as man-made knit shirts and trousers.

“We must implement safeguards on these additional categories immediately before more American plants close and more workers lose their jobs,” said Rep. Foxx. and more workers lose their jobs,” said Rep. Foxx.