By Kristi Ellis
...Julia Hughes, president of the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel, said Colombia is now a minor apparel player, ranked 29th among all suppliers, but the FTA will help boost the country’s trade.
“I have been meeting with companies and sourcing executives, and their compliance teams feel much more comfortable sourcing when an agreement is permanent, because they know they can make a commitment and the benefits are not going to go away,” Hughes said...
Hughes said USA-ITA plans to work diligently to urge U.S. trade officials to begin discussions on cumulation, which could allow apparel makers to use inputs made by other countries in the region. The pact contains a provision directing the two countries to enter into discussions within 60 days of implementation to expand the benefits to other countries for regional integration.