Senators Push TPP Flexible Rules of Origin, Tariff Elimination
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) flexible rules of origin and duty-free market access for apparel will fuel growth in U.S. jobs that rely on the global, apparel supply chain, said a dozen Senators in a Dec. 3 letter to President Barack Obama.…
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The administration should press U.S. negotiators to expand the flexibilities beyond the current short supply list, said the Senators, adding that apparel concessions will translate to other areas of TPP market access. “Such flexibilities, which have been included in recent U.S. FTAs, are critical to unlocking market access. These flexibilities for apparel are also essential for growing U.S. yarn and fabric exports,” said the letter. “These measures are also crucial as leverage to ensure an ambitious agreement that provides real market access for U.S., manufacturers, farmers, and services and achieves the desired disciplines in a variety of other key areas.” The administration continues to target the end of 2013 for completion of TPP negotiations (see 13120415). Apparel rules of origin have caused inter-sector conflict over recent months (see 13082011).