WHY IS CAFTA IMPORTANT?
We would prefer manufacturing in the USA because it is easier. However, being brutally honest with ourselves, we realize that sewing jobs will not come back to this country. We are part of a much larger global economy, one in which the government becomes our partner in making trade agreements. We are obviously not opposed to trading with China. But we do have a strong desire to keep as much trade in this hemisphere. CAFTA helps us accomplish that goal in several ways: • Duties ranging from 7% to 12 % will be eliminated • Our prices will be more competitive with those from Asia • We will keep our speed to market advantage vs. Asia • Our investments in this hemisphere will be maintained. WHAT DOES CAFTA MEAN FOR THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY IN GENERAL? U.S. textile companies are already dependent upon CAFTA countries. In 2004, 25% of all U.S. fabric exports and 40% of all U.S. yarn exports went to CAFTA countries. Between 1999 and 2004, U.S. yarns and fabric exports to the region gre
