[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60227-60228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24317]


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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)

September 19, 2002.
AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (The 
Committee).

ACTION: Denial of the request alleging that certain 100 percent stock-
dyed worsted wool woven fabric, used in the production of certain men's 
suits and suit jackets, cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in 
commercial quantities in a timely manner.

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SUMMARY: On July 19, 2002, the Chairman of CITA received a request from 
Oxford Industries alleging that certain 100 percent worsted (i.e., 
combed) wool woven fabric, stock-dyed (not piece-dyed) of wool yarns 
with an average fiber diameter of more than 18.5 microns, classified in 
subheading 5112.19.95 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United 
States (HTSUS), for use in the production of men's suit type jackets 
for suits classified in subheading 6203.31.9010 of the HTSUS and men's 
suits classified in subheading 6203.11.9000 of the HTSUS, but excluding 
``morning dress'', ``evening dress'' and ``dinner jacket suits'' (as 
defined in Note 3(a) to Chapter 62 of the 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 the information provided and our 
knowledge of the industry, 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.

[[Page 60228]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Further Information Contact: 
Shikha Bhatnagar, 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 July 19, 2002, the Chairman of CITA received a request from 
Oxford Industries alleging that certain 100 percent worsted (i.e., 
combed) wool woven fabric, stock-dyed (not piece-dyed) of wool yarns 
with an average fiber diameter of more than 18.5 microns, classified in 
subheading 5112.19.95 of the HTSUS, for use in the production of men's 
suit type jackets for suits classified in subheading 6203.31.9010 of 
HTSUS and men's suits classified in subheading 6203.11.9000 of the 
HTSUS, but excluding ``morning dress'', ``evening dress'' and ``dinner 
jacket suits'' (as defined in Note 3(a) to Chapter 62 of the HTSUS), 
cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in 
a timely manner. It requested that apparel of such fabrics that are 
both cut, sewn, and assembled in one or more CBTPA beneficiary 
countries be eligible for preferential treatment under the CBTPA.
    On August 2, 2002, CITA solicited public comments regarding this 
request, particularly with respect to whether these fabrics can be 
supplied by the domestic industry and commercial quantities in a timely 
manner. We also requested the advice of the U.S. International Trade 
Commission and the relevant Industry Sector Advisory Committees. On 
August 20, 2002, CITA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative 
offered to hold consultations with the relevant Congressional 
Committees.
    CITA has determined that certain 100 percent worsted (i.e., combed) 
wool woven fabric, stock-dyed (not piece-dyed) of wool yarns with an 
average fiber diameter of more than 18.5 microns, classified in 
subheading 5112.19.95 of the HTSUS, for use in the production of men's 
suit type jackets for suits classified in subheading 6203.31.9010 of 
HTSUS and men's suits classified in subheading 6203.11.9000 of the 
HTSUS, but excluding ``morning dress'', ``evening dress'' and ``dinner 
jacket suits'' (as defined in Note 3(a) to Chapter 62 of the HTSUS), 
can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner. Based on the information provided, including review of 
the request, public comments and advice received, and our knowledge of 
the industry, CITA has determined that there is current production of 
and domestic capacity to supply these fabrics. Oxford Industries' 
request is denied.

James C. Leonard III,
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.
[FR Doc.02-24317 Filed 9-24-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-S