FFACT vs RITAC: Sorting Out the Textile Import Players

Key United States government agencies and international bodies which administer and affect textile and apparel imports are outlined with their structure and functions. Associations and coalitions representing the textile and ap-parel industry and the retail industry also are presented, illustrating the free-trade vs protectionist views. Examples of conflicts between these two positions show the complexity of the textile and apparel import program. LJ.S. textile and apparel trade policies have been contro-versial for decades, reflecting the fact that they have been formulated and implemented on the basis of the clash of ideological poles-free-trade vs. protectionism (Wolf, n.d.). Nordquist (1984-1985) outlined the sides: the consumer, the producer, and the retailer. Industry representatives regularly speak at professional conferences and government hearings, presenting information about the industry. Some platforms have attempted to present speakers with both positions. In addition to analysis at the academic, industrial, and govern-mental levels, the consumer is becoming integrally involved. National news networks cover the House and Senate ver-sions of the current textile bill. Celebrities appear onnational television plugging Crafted With Pride and Made in USA programs. Trade associations attempted to use Super Tues-day (primary day in many states) to make textile import legislation a major campaign issue. Myriad associations, programs, and agencies have one of two views: protect the home industry and retain U.S. jobs or reduce protective legislation to allow retailers to buy apparel anywhere in the world to meet consumer demand. The purpose of this paper is to present the key players implementing and influencing the U.S. textile and apparel import program