Senators Seek Change to TPP Apparel Tariff Proposal

A group of U.S. Senators asked President Barack Obama to rethink the current approach to apparel tariffs in the Trans-Pacific Partnership in a May 1, 2012 letter to the President. The letter asked that U.S. negotiators promote flexible rules of origin and meaningful market access to maximize the incentive to increase U.S. exports and jobs.

The current proposal on rules of origin takes a too broad approach by requiring originating yarns, fabrics, sewing thread and other inputs for all apparel, even when there's insufficient availability of quality inputs and a reliable supply chain with the TPP countries, the letter said. A more flexible approach would be beneficial, they said.

While the TPP isn't be negotiated with Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the administration is still following TPA protocol, which includes consultation with Congress, the letter said. As such, Obama should address Congressional concerns at the front end rather than having Congress seek remedy afterwards, they said.