The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas applauded the introduction of the bipartisan “Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act.” This legislation, spearheaded by House Select Committee on the CCP Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), aims to tackle trade fraud that threatens American textile and apparel manufacturers.
Glas emphasized the need for enhanced federal resources to address the growing prevalence of trade crimes impacting the industry. The proposed bill will establish a dedicated structure within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division focused on aggressively prosecuting international trade offenses.
The US textile and apparel supply chain has suffered significantly from trade fraud, including the import of products made with forced labor, fraudulent rules of origin claims, and exploitation of the de minimis trade loophole. Recently, these issues have contributed to the closure of 18 textile plants and substantial job losses, exacerbating challenges for Western Hemisphere trade partners.
Glas emphasized that the bipartisan legislation represents a significant advancement in addressing extensive fraud, holding wrongdoers accountable, and safeguarding essential domestic industries. The NCTO asserts that prompt action is crucial to create a fair and equitable marketplace for American manufacturers and workers.
