China, US edge closer to textile trade deal
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-29 06:58

U.S. textile groups want an agreement that would restrict 30 or more categories of clothing and textile imports from China through 2008, when the safeguard provision expires.

"I think they've made more progress on product coverage than anything else," Johnson said.

But by early Wednesday, the two sides still hadn't agreed on the length of the pact or other critical issues, such as the size of the initial quotas, or annual growth rates, he said.

"I don't know if they can get enough done here" to wrap up an agreement, Johnson said, suggesting another round of talks in Beijing or elsewhere may be needed for that.

China has pushed Washington to promise it would exercise restraint in using the safeguard provision if Beijing agrees to voluntary curbs on U.S. clothing exports.

U.S. clothing importers and retailers want any agreement to allow for progressively higher imports.