Ever Wonder Just How Much is Being Imported into the U.S. From China?

Now you can see for yourself what those figures look like in relation to textile and apparel imports thanks to the U.S. International Trade Commission’s latest release which compiles such 2014 data in to a single handy document.

The annual report contains a compilation of the statistical reports published every two weeks by the Commission on the volume, value, unit value, and import market share of imports from China that were subject to the provisions of the 2005 U.S.-China Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Trade in Textiles and Apparel (MOU).  This compilation includes official import data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and shows data at the 3-digit textile/apparel category level and by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 10-digit subheadings in these categories.

Want to read through it for yourself?  The Textile and Apparel Imports from China: Statistical Reports, Annual Compilation 2014 (Inv. No. 332-501, USITC publication 4535, May 2015) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4535.pdf.

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com

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Harmful Shifts in the US Economy Without a New Beginning for AGOA?

Still think the economy is sluggish?  

(photo courtesy of U.S. CIA)

The gridlock in Congress isn’t helping and with their delays in reauthorizing trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), U.S. companies whose existence rely upon duty-free African imports – whether in fashion, retail, beauty, foodstuffs, or otherwise - are going to start laying off people as the uncertainty with respect to AGOA renewal mounts.

Here’s a snapshot of reasons, recommendations, and how you can support AGOA renewal in 2015.

AGOA renewal is important not only for keeping existing companies in business but also for the expansion of other US companies who find markets within African economies.

A rise in African exports equals increased spending power amongst African consumers, and with President Obama’s export promotion initiative in place, this means that US exports have a greater chance for success when expanding into these foreign markets. 

A growing African labor force could also lead to more stable economies and increase good governance.  With greater economic development and stability, there will be less of an incentive to join radical groups known to be destructive and that pose a threat to the world at large, as there will instead be a viable alternative to have a life with meaning and, hence, a vested interest in creating a common good for society as a whole.

Now is the time to make your voice heard if you want Congress to vote for the reauthorization of the AGOA trade agreement.  Send letters to all of the members of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, calling for:

1) The expeditious passage of AGOA

2) Renewal for a term of 15 years

3) Such passage to include all current member states

With this, provide a statement highlighting how economic development and stabilization function as a mechanism to combat terrorism.

The AGOA reauthorization is currently being drafted by Congress, so now is the time to get your letters in and make your voice heard if you want to keep US businesses in business and open up foreign markets to US exports.  

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com

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Washington DC Gets Ready to Discuss AGOA, Textiles From Africa, and More

On Friday August 1, 2014, the Civil Society of the AGOA Forum will be hosting its own two-day meeting under the theme “AGOA:Re-Authorization beyond 2015.”    Time is running out to register but you still can here.

The purpose of this meeting is to come up with written recommendations for presentation to the Ministerial Session of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) during the Africa Summit beginning August 5, 2014.

As described by the AGOA Civil Society Network, the AGOA “is a trade mechanism that was passed by the US Government in 2000 to encourage US-Africa trade.   AGOA currently provides the 40 AGOA-eligible countries with:

-   - Most liberal access to US markets for any country or region without at free trade agreement

-   - Reinforced Africa reform and development efforts, and

-   - Access to US credit and technical expertise.”

Other posts related to AGOA and textiles can be found here.

The Foundation for Democracy in Africa is likewise hosting an event on August 5, 2014 entitled “AGOA CSO Session: 13th US-Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation AGOA Forum.  This event will have a focus on human rights and democratic reform, among other topics.  Tickets are free but registration is required.

Questions or comments? Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com

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Bringing a Product to Market with Fashion Compliance

Earlier this week I had the privilege of addressing members of the Pan African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, commonly known as "AWEP," together with fellow OWIT International (Organization of Women in International Trade) members who joined me as panelists.

Evident from the products in the conference hall and the silence that fell across the room as I began my discussion, many in attendance were involved in the African textiles and wearing apparel industry.

My presentation on Fashion Compliance with respect to proper labeling in order to bring products in to the United States (US) lawfully, and hence, bring a product “to market,” therefore turned out to be of particular interest.

"Why does proper labeling matter?" you may be wondering?

It is important for a few critical reasons.

First, without it, the products you plan to sell in the US may never be authorized for entry into the country for consumption since US federal laws regulate the clothing sold here.

Second, if you want the parties that buy from you to consider you a trusted vendor, your products need to be certified for compliance with US law so that your retail customers can buy from you with confidence.

Last but certainly not least, consumers actually need some of the information, such as how to care for the garment, and with the ultimate purchaser as the end user, every producer of a good wants to keep that final user’s best interests in mind.

The presentation also included some points and "quick math" around the AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity) and how it is actually used, as the US Government - which is currently *shut down* - has done little to educate users on how it can be best taken advantage of.

More articles on the AGOA agreement can be found at the links below:

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2011/12/african-fashion-industry-and-agoa.html

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2012/08/agoa-third-country-fabric-provision.html

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2012/09/agoa-renewal-recommendations-sought-by.html

http://internationaltradeforeverydaypeople.blogspot.com/2012/07/africa-sourcing-and-agoa-extension.html

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com

 

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Obtaining Export Declarations Under the AGOA Agreement

The US has preferential trade agreements with many other countries to promote and increase trade with those nations.

One of these is the “African Growth and Opportunity Act,” otherwise known as the AGOA agreement.

Doreen Mashika Print Clutch Bags - Zanzibar

As it pertains to textiles, its purpose is (in part) to provide for the entry of specific textile and apparel articles free of duty and free of any quantitative limits from the participating countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information about the AGOA, check out these articles:

AGOA Third Country Fabric Provision Extended to 2015

 Africa Sourcing and the AGOA Extension

AGOA Renewal Recommendations Sought by USTR

 For preferential treatment under AGOA, the exporter is required to prepare a certificate of origin and provide it to the importer.  This certificate is something that the importer must request from the exporter to have and keep as part of its record keeping.  The certificate of origin includes information such as

(1)    The contact information for the importer, exporter and producer;

(2)    The basis for which preferential treatment is claimed; and

(3)    A description of the imported merchandise.

Importers are required to have the certificate in their possession at the time of the claim, and to provide it to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon request.

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com

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