[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 54175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-21223]


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COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS


Denial of Short Supply Request under the United States - 
Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA)

August 15, 2002.
AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA).

ACTION: Denial of the request alleging that certain100 percent cotton 
yarn-dyed flannel fabrics, for use in apparel articles, cannot be 
supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely 
manner.

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SUMMARY: On June 11, 2002, the Chairman of CITA received a request from 
Intradeco Corporation of Miami, Florida alleging that certain fabrics, 
classified under subheading 5208.43.00 of the Harmonized Tariff 
Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), cannot be supplied by the 
domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. It 
requested that apparel of such fabrics be eligible for preferential 
treatment under the CBTPA. Based on currently available information, 
CITA has determined that these subject fabrics can be supplied by the 
domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and 
therefore denies the request.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Further Information Contact: 
Richard Stetson, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and 
Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-3400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Authority: Section 213(b)(2)(A)(v)(II) of the Caribbean Basin 
Economic Recovery Act, as added by Section 211(a) of the CBTPA; 
Section 6 of Executive Order No. 13191 of January 17, 2001.

BACKGROUND:

    The CBTPA provides for quota- and duty-free treatment for 
qualifying textile and apparel products. Such treatment is generally 
limited to products manufactured from yarns or fabrics formed in the 
United States or a beneficiary country. The CBTPA also provides for 
quota- and duty-free treatment for apparel articles that are both cut 
(or knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more CBTPA 
beneficiary countries from fabric or yarn that is not formed in the 
United States or a CBTPA beneficiary country, if it has been determined 
that such fabric or yarn cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in 
commercial quantities in a timely manner. In Executive Order No. 13191, 
the President delegated to CITA the authority to determine whether 
yarns or fabrics cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in 
commercial quantities in a timely manner under the CBTPA. On March 6, 
2001, CITA published procedures that it will follow in considering 
requests. (66 FR 13502).
    On June 11, 2002, the Chairman of CITA received a request from 
Intradeco Corporation of Miami, Florida alleging that certain 100 
percent cotton yarn-dyed flannel fabrics, classified under subheading 
5208.43.00 of the HTSUS, of construction 2X2 twill weave 64X54, cannot 
be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner. It requested that apparel of such fabric that are both 
cut and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more CBTPA beneficiary 
countries be eligible for preferential treatment under the CBTPA.
    On June 17, 2002, CITA solicited public comments regarding this 
request, particularly with respect to whether these fabrics can be 
supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely 
manner. On July 5, 2002, CITA and the Office of the U.S. Trade 
Representative offered to hold consultations with the relevant 
Congressional committees. We also requested the advice of the U.S. 
International Trade Commission and the relevant Industry Sector 
Advisory Committees.
    CITA has determined that certain 100 percent cotton yarn-dyed 
flannel fabrics, classified under subheading 5208.43.00 of the HTSUS, 
of construction 2X2 twill weave 64X54, used in apparel, can be supplied 
by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. 
On the basis of currently available information, including review of 
the request, public comment and advice received, and its understanding 
of the industry, CITA has determined that there is domestic capacity to 
supply these fabrics. Intradeco's request is denied.

James C. Leonard III,
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.
[FR Doc.02-21223 Filed 8-20-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-S