Less restrictive trade in textiles and apparel: a position paper

This is a position paper * * The graduate fellow author developed this paper in response to the following assignment: For this assignment, you are to assume that your paper is a briefing paper for a new U.S. textile negotiator who has had a limited amount of experience in working with the textile sector. The new negotiator must be prepared by various constituencies to represent their respective positions adequately and fairiy as bilateral agreements and other trade policies are negotiated. Thus, it is quite important to have your position articulated thoroughly and effectively; the ultimate survival and success of the interests you represent are at stake. For this paper, each student is expected to analyse and articulate the complexities involved in balancing economic, political, and social concerns for this key sector. Professor K. G. Dickerson assisted in developing the paper for publication.
which advocates textile and apparel trade with fewer restrictions. The paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of protectionist legislation for the textile sector; also considered are the position of the consumer, and the economy more broadly. Proposed U.S. textile legislation is evaluated in the context of the current political climate, both nationally and internationally. When all factors are considered, the casts of protectionism may exceed the benefits, perhaps even for the industry.