EU set to track Chinese exports

The EU has reached an agreement with China, October 2007 to track Chinese exports of textiles until the end of 2008.

Following from their 2005 Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in managing the transition to free trade in textiles, the European Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade have decided on a system of joint import surveillance that will operate for one year in 2008 following the end of the import growth caps on ten categories of textiles and clothing from China. The 'double checking system' will track the issuing of licences for export in China and the importation of goods into the EU. This monitoring system provides a clear picture of the likely development of trade patterns and ensures predictability for EU businesses. The arrangement covers the eight most sensitive of the ten product categories covered by the levels agreed in 2005 and that will expire at the end of the year. Although imports of these goods will be closely monitored their level of import will not be restricted by this arrangement.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Trade: Press Release, 9.10.07: EU and China decide on textile import monitoring system for 2008 http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/industry/textile/pr091007_en.htm

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