European Apparel and Textile Organisation
24 rue Montoyer – B – 1000  Brussels
phone: + 32.2.285.48.81 – Fax : +32.2.230.60.54
e:mail : william.lakin@euratex.org
Web-site : www.euratex.org

Euratex disquiet at EU-China deal of 5th September.

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EURATEX DISQUIET AT EU-CHINA DEAL OF 5TH SEPTEMBER



September 6th, 2005

Euratex president Filiep Libeert today voiced serious disappointment and disquiet at the outcome of the discussions between EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson and his Chinese counterpart in Beijing on 5th September. He pointed out that the fundamentals of the situation had not changed in the period since June 10th, 2005 when the original agreement was signed, and that there was therefore no justification for further compromise outside the scope of the June agreement.

“Industry cannot be placed in a position where the validity of important trade agreements is constantly subject to question” stressed Mr Libeert. “The purpose of the June agreement was to place known limits in 2005, 2006 and 2007 on surging Chinese exports in ten product categories. Today we see that China is being gifted substantial additional volumes which, for example, double the quantities available in 2005 in respect of pullovers. This will further handicap EU producers in their efforts to survive in the face of predatory Chinese prices. Industry in Europe will again pay the price in company closures and job losses if this deal is endorsed by Member-States” he added.




For further information contact:

William LAKIN Francesco MARCHI
Director General Director Economic Affairs
Tel : +32.2.285.48.82 Tel : +32.2.285.48.92
Fax : +32.2.230.60.54 Fax : +32.2.230.60.54
william.lakin@euratex.org francesco.marchi@euratex.org