In a speech to textile producers in Florence, Italy, on June 6, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson set out the rationale for his position on rising Chinese textile exports.

He argued for a policy that braces EU producers for change while allowing China to benefit from textile liberalisation. Rejecting a return to the quota system for textiles, Mandelson argued that his policy is based on the need to “manage change and adjustment, rather than to manage trade.”

He stressed that he is “hopeful” that the EU and China can negotiate “a solution that is mutually acceptable to both sides” while recalling that the EU reserves the right under the Textiles Specific Safeguard Clause to take action to provide its industry with “breathing space”.                                        

Mandelson said: “I want to re-iterate my commitment to ensuring that the EU textile and leather industries will be in a position to meet the challenges and difficulties presented to them. Do not think for one moment that I am not aware of your concerns. I spend an enormous amount of my time on these issues. I will continue to do so until I am satisfied that the current problems are eased to the best of our ability.”

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