Third-Country Fabric, Burmese Import Restriction Bill Sent to President Following Senate Approval

The Senate on Aug. 2 approved under unanimous consent legislation that would renew import restrictions from Burma and extend a Third-Country Fabric (TCF) provision that allows African countries to use third-country fabric and then export that into the U.S. The bill also makes non-controversial technical changes to the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) textiles and apparel provisions. The House approved an identical bill earlier the same day. The legislation will next go to the President.

“This common-sense measure will foster prosperity through strengthened trade relations while providing real opportunities for job creation and economic growth both at home and abroad," said Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). "Furthermore, by extending Burma trade sanctions, this bill will give us the tools to ensure that Burma continues down the path of reform."

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said the congressional action “is great news for thousands of workers and businesses in the United States, Africa and Latin America." The bill's passage means "protection for not only the 2,000 Americans whose jobs depend on this legislation, but also for thousands of African workers," and "President Obama is ready to sign this legislation as soon as it reaches his desk," he said. Kirk's statement is (here).

The U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) also said it was appreciative of the bill's passage. “U.S. apparel brands and retailers are thrilled that Congress has finally renewed the AGOA third-country fabric benefit and enacted the CAFTA-DR technical fixes,” said USA-ITA President Julia Hughes: “These two provisions will help create and maintain jobs in the apparel industry both in the United States, as well as in our trading partner countries, especially in Africa.” The USA-ITA statement is (here).

(See ITT's Online Archives 12080240 for summary of the House approval. See ITT's Online Archives 12071912 for summary of the Senate bill (S-3326). See ITT's Online Archives 12072420 for summary of the House bill (HR-5986).