National Industries for the Blind Awarded Contract for Advanced Combat Shirts

National Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a $13,641,430 modification (P00005) to contract W911QY-19-C-0025 for Advanced Combat Shirts. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $13,641,430 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Just Blanks Children’s Nightgowns Recalled by Ishtex Textile Products Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard; Burn Hazard

Description: This recall involves Just Blanks-branded children’s 92% cotton and 8% spandex nightgowns. They were sold in sizes 12 months through size 12 and in two prints: Birthday and elephant. The birthday print has blue trim on the bottom and on the sleeves and the trim on the elephant print is pink. Just Blanks and tracking number 20190329 are printed on a sewn-in neck label.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled nightgowns away from children and contact Ishtex Textile Products for a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold At: Children’s boutiques nationwide from August 2019 through December 2019 for about $30.

Distributor(s): Ishtex Textile Products Inc., of Duluth, Ga.

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 20-082

For more information and photo CLICK HERE.

USDA and USTR Announce Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement

On February 25, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that China has taken numerous actions to begin implementing its agriculture-related commitments under the landmark U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement on schedule. The agreement entered into force on February 14, 2020.

To read more CLICK HERE.

ICE HSI agents seize more than $2.5M of fake sports merchandise, tickets during NBA All-Star week

On February 25, 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced that special agents seized nearly 127,000 counterfeit items, retailing at more than $2.5 million dollars, during a six-day enforcement action leading up to the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game.

The seizures were part of ongoing effort with the NBA and HSI to target those in the Chicago area who are committing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) theft. The Alsip (Illinois) Police Department, Wheeling (Illinois) Police Department and Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance.

From Feb. 11 – Feb. 16, HSI and local law enforcement partners identified businesses and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. They seized fake trademarked sports merchandise such as hats and shirts as well as counterfeit NBA All-Star Game tickets.

In fiscal year 2019, HSI seized more than $800 million in counterfeit goods and made more than 350 criminal arrests related to support of IPR enforcement operations.

The HSI-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. Working in close coordination with the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the IPR Center uses the expertise of its member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property theft.

Textile Articles on February, 2020, List of China 301 Exclusions

On February 19, 2020, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced exclusions from the 25% China 301 tariffs.

Article descriptions for 47 types of merchandise were included in this list of exclusions, of which eight relate to textile articles--

9) Fabrics wholly of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100 g/m², of numbers 43 to 68 ("cheesecloth"), 3-layer folded and crimped, less than 28 cm wide after folding and crimping, compliant with standards of Aerospace Management Services (AMS) (described in statistical reporting number 5208.11.4090)

10) Fabrics wholly of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100 g/m², of numbers 43 to 68 ("cheesecloth"), compliant with standards of Aerospace Management Services (AMS) (described in statistical reporting number 5208.21.4090)

11) Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, dyed, weighing more than 280 g/m2 but not more than 420 g/m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5407.92.2090)

12) Sheeting fabrics containing less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, such artificial staple fibers derived from wood, printed (described in statistical reporting number 5516.44.0022)

13) Non-woven fabrics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in sheets measuring not more than 160 cm by 250 cm, weighing more than 1,800 g/m2 but not more than 3,000 g/m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5603.94.9090)

14) Fabrics wholly of polyester, warp knit, bonded to a plain weave backing fabric, measuring not more than 141 cm in width, weighing over 271 g/m2, of a kind used to upholster furniture (described in statistical reporting number 6001.92.0010)

15) Knitted or crocheted fabrics of artificial staple fibers derived from bamboo (described in statistical reporting number 6003.40.6000)

16) Fabrics wholly of polyester, warp knit, printed, bonded to a woven backing wholly of polyester, weighing not less than 290 g/m2 but not more than 500 g/m2, of a kind used to upholster furniture (described in statistical reporting number 6005.39.0080)

Fabrics Sought for CAFTA Application

Agathon Associates have been contacted by an apparel manufacturer in Guatemala seeking the following fabrics.

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	87/13% Polyester/Wool 2 Layer Merino Wool	7,000 yds	3,000 yds	4,000 yds
Yarn number :	Outside : 41s 70/30% Poly/Wool, Inside : 40s Polyester Spun
Fabric :	Circular (Double Knit)
Weight :	230g/m2
Finished :	Wicking

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	87/13% Polyester/Wool Thermawool	6,000 yds	3,000 yds	3,000 yds
Yarn number :	70s 70/30% Poly/Wool, Inside : DTY 100D/144F
Fabric :	Circular (Double Knit)
Weight :	180g/m2
Finished :	Wicking, Pin Brush Insade

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	57% EcoNyl Regenerated Nylon, 38% PA, 5% Spandex	2,000 yds	1,000 yds	1,000 yds
Yarn number :	152/70 Econyl Regenerated Nylon, 95/70 PA Covering Yarn with SP 40D
Fabric :	Plain Weave with Spandex
Weight :	107g/m2
Finished :	N/A

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	100% Polyester with a coated PU face	1,000 yds	500 yds	500 yds
Yarn number :	DTY 150/144
Fabric :	Circular (Single Knit)
Weight :	240g/m2
Finished :	Pin Brush Inside

If you are interested in this business opportunity contact David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com and I'll put you in touch with the requesting company.

CPSC Staff to Meeting with ASTM on Wearable Technology

Patricia Edwards and other staff from the Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction will be meeting with ASTM staff regarding wearable technology and potential standards development. The meeting will be held on February 27, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at CPSC Headquarters in Bethesda, MD. For more information on this meeting, including room location, please contact Patricia Edwards (pedwards@cpsc.gov or 301-987-2224).

AFA 35th Annual Meeting: 3/31-4/1, 2020

The American Flock Association has announced that this year’s annual meeting will be in Washington, DC in conjunction with the National Council of Textile Organization’s annual meeting. Join powerful industry leaders for two days of meetings and networking. The Executive Committee will meet on Tuesday March 31 at 10:30. The afternoon will have special meetings leading into the evening banquet with the keynote presentation by Presidential Assistant Dr. Peter Navarro. Thursday morning, April 1, will begin with a buffet breakfast, then a morning filled with presentations, followed by a buffet lunch.

For more information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

NCTO Launches Blog Series on Sustainability in the U.S. Textile Industry

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber though finished sewn products, is launching a new blog series on sustainability in the U.S. textile industry.

They plan to use the series to highlight the significant strides the U.S. textile industry has made to mitigate the impact of manufacturing processes on the environment.

Two new blog posts which includes an interview with UNIFI, Inc.

• American Textiles: We Make Amazing Sustainability Series February 13, 2020.

• American Textiles: We Make Amazing Sustainability Series - UNIFI, Inc. February 14, 2020.

Check NCTO Textiles in the News website frequently for updated interviews with textile executives. We will interview prominent U.S. textile companies about their sustainability commitments, goals and initiatives, while also amplifying the stories on Capitol Hill.

Oxford Bags, Big in the 1920s, Big in the 2020s

As seen in the March 2020 issue of Esquire.

USTR Announces Formation of Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office Pursuant to U.S.-China Phase One Agreement

On February 14, 2020, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the formation of a new Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office, as envisioned by Article 7.2.2 of the Phase One economic and trade agreement signed by the United States and China on January 15, 2020. This office will monitor China’s implementation of its commitments under the Phase One agreement and will be responsible for working with China’s corresponding Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office to address disputes that arise over implementation matters.

Ambassador Jeffrey Gerrish will serve as the “designated Deputy United States Trade Representative” heading the new Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office in accordance with Article 7.2.2(a) of the Phase One agreement. Interested parties may raise their concerns about implementation matters under the Phase One agreement by calling 202-395-3900.

This arrangement requires regular bilateral meetings to discuss implementation matters, with the parties meeting on a monthly basis at the “designated official” level, on a quarterly basis at the Deputy United States Trade Representative-Vice Minister level, and on a semi-annual basis at the United States Trade Representative-Vice Premier level.

Separately, the arrangement also establishes strong procedures for addressing disputes related to the agreement. A party can formally initiate a dispute by submitting an “Appeal” to the other party’s Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office. Consultations then take place in an attempt to resolve the dispute, first at the “designated official” level and then, if needed, at the Deputy United States Trade Representative-Vice Minister level and finally at the United States Trade Representative-Vice Premier level. If the dispute is not resolved through these consultations, the complaining party is allowed to take proportionate responsive action that it deems appropriate after providing advance notice to the party complained against. The entire dispute resolution process will take approximately 90 days. In addition, it has been expressly agreed that the complaining party in a dispute is not required to include information that could identify any company at issue or confidential business information.

The Phase One agreement entered into effect February 14, 2020. The text of that agreement can be found here.

USTR Revises $7.5 Billion Award Implementation Against EU in Airbus Case, Wool and Cashmere Sweaters and Wool Suits from the UK on List

Under President’s Trump leadership, the United States won the largest award in WTO history on October 2, 2019 when it was authorized to take countermeasures on $7.5 billion in goods after a victory in its unfair trade practices case against the European Union, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Pursuant to U.S. statute, the United States Trade Representative is now issuing a Notice in the Federal Register making adjustments to its WTO-authorized retaliation action, which was implemented on October 18, 2019.

Textile products of the United Kingdom described below are subject to additional import duties of 25 percent ad valorem:

HTS	Subheading Product Description
6110.11.00	Sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of wool
6110.12.10	Sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of Kashmir goats, wholly of cashmere
6110.20.20	Sweaters, pullovers and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of cotton, nesoi*
6110.30.30	Sweaters, pullovers and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, of man-made fibers, nesoi
6202.99.15	Recreational performance outwear, women's/girls' anoraks, wind-breakers & similar articles, not knitted or crocheted, of other textile materials (not wool, cotton or MMF), containing <70 percent by weight of silk
6202.99.80	Women's/girls' anoraks, wind-breakers & similar articles, not knitted or crocheted, of other texile materials (not wool, cotton or MMF), containing <70% by weight of silk,
6203.11.60	Men's or boys' suits of wool, not knitted or crocheted, nesoi, of wool yarn with average fiber diameter of 18.5 micron or less
6203.11.90	Men's or boys' suits of wool or fine animal hair, not knitted or crocheted, nesoi
6203.19.30	Men's or boys' suits, of artificial fibers, nesoi, not knitted or crocheted
6203.19.90	Men's or boys' suits, of textile mats(except wool, cotton or MMF), containing under 70 percent by weight of silk or silk waste, not knit or crocheted
6208.21.00	Women's or girls' nightdresses and pajamas, not knitted or crocheted, of cotton
6211.12.40	Women's or girls' swimwear, of textile materials(except MMF), containing 70% or more by weight of silk or silk waste, not knit or crocheted
6211.12.80	Women's or girls' swimwear, of textile materials(except MMF), containing under 70% by weight of silk or silk waste, not knit or crocheted
6301.30.00	Blankets (other than electric blankets) and traveling rugs, of cotton
6301.90.00	Blankets and traveling rugs, nesoi
6302.21.50	Bed linen, not knit or crocheted, printed, of cotton, cont any embroidery, lace, braid, edging, trimming, piping or applique work, n/napped
6302.21.90	Bed linen, not knit or croc, printed, of cotton, not cont any embroidery, lace, braid, edging, trimming, piping or applique work, not napped

*

NESOI means Not Elsewhere Specified or Included.

To read the entire Notice, click here.

Federal Trade Commission Proposes to Add Seven New Generic Fiber Names

On February 18, 2020, the FTC published in the Federal Register (85 FR 8781) Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act

SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'' or ``Commission'') proposes amending the Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (``Textile Rules'' or ``Rules'') to incorporate the most recent ISO 2076 standard for generic fiber names. The proposed amendment should reduce compliance costs and increase flexibility for firms providing textile fiber information to consumers.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 19, 2020.

The Commission proposes to incorporate the most recent version of the relevant standard, ISO 2076:2013(E), ``Textiles--Man-made fibres--Generic names,'' Sixth edition, November 15, 2013 (ISO 2076:2013(E)), in Sec. 303.7 of the Textile Rule. The updated 2013 standard adds seven generic fiber names not defined in the 2010 standard: ``Chitin,'' ``ceramic,'' ``polybenzimidazol,'' ``polycarbamide,'' ``polypropylene/polyamide bicomponent,'' ``protein,'' and ``trivinyl.''

Commission staff has received several inquiries from manufacturers interested in initiating a proceeding to amend the Commission's list of approved generic fiber names under 16 CFR 303.8 to add ``chitin,'' a name recognized in ISO 2076:2013(E). Therefore, incorporating that standard into the Textile Rules will resolve the current requests, save the Commission and the manufacturers resources, and harmonize the two standards without the need to address other ISO recognized names individually.

Air Force and Navy Coverall Contract Awarded

Carter Industries, Olive Hill, Kentucky, has been awarded a maximum $30,294,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men's and women's sage-green flyer coveralls. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is an 18-month base contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is Kentucky, with an Aug. 11, 2021, performance completion date. Using customer is Air Force and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-20-D-1238).

President Trump Announces Intent to Negotiate Trade Agreement with Kenya

On February 6, 2020, President Donald J. Trump announced the United States intends to initiate trade agreement negotiations with the Republic of Kenya following a meeting at the White House with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

At the direction of President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer will officially notify Congress of the Trump Administration’s intention to start negotiations following the consultations with Congress that are required by the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015—often referred to as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). USTR will also publish notices in the Federal Register requesting public input on the direction, focus, and content of the trade negotiations. In accordance with TPA, USTR will publish objectives for the negotiations at least 30 days before trade negotiations begin.

The announcement came while the U.S.-Kenya Trade and Investment Working Group held its third meeting in Washington this week. The Working Group, established by President Trump and President Kenyatta in August 2018, is laying the groundwork for a stronger bilateral trade relationship.

Trade between the two countries stands at about $1 billion a year. Over 70 percent ($466 million in 2018) of Kenya’s exports to the United States entered under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, almost all of which were textile articles.

A free trade agreement with Kenya would by first such U.S. agreement with a Sub-Saharan African nation, and the second agreement with an Africa nation (an FTA with Morocco was negotiated and implemented during the Administration of President George W. Bush).

Federal Prison Industries Wins Army and Air Force Trouser Contract

Federal Prison Industries Inc., Washington, District of Columbia, has been awarded a maximum $24,465,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for various types of trousers. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Locations of performance are Washington, District of Columbia, Texas, Illinois and North Carolina, with an Oct. 5, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-20-D-F057).

Fabrics Sought for CAFTA Application

Agathon Associates have been contacted by an apparel manufacturer in Guatemala seeking the following fabrics.

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	87/13% Polyester/Wool 2 Layer Merino Wool	7,000 yds	3,000 yds	4,000 yds
Yarn number :	Outside : 41s 70/30% Poly/Wool, Inside : 40s Polyester Spun
Fabric :	Circular (Double Knit)
Weight :	230g/m2
Finished :	Wicking

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	87/13% Polyester/Wool Thermawool	6,000 yds	3,000 yds	3,000 yds
Yarn number :	70s 70/30% Poly/Wool, Inside : DTY 100D/144F
Fabric :	Circular (Double Knit)
Weight :	180g/m2
Finished :	Wicking, Pin Brush Insade

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	57% EcoNyl Regenerated Nylon, 38% PA, 5% Spandex	2,000 yds	1,000 yds	1,000 yds
Yarn number :	152/70 Econyl Regenerated Nylon, 95/70 PA Covering Yarn with SP 40D
Fabric :	Plain Weave with Spandex
Weight :	107g/m2
Finished :	N/A

FABRIC SPECS		Need Q'ty in 2020	until March 2020	until June 2020
Fiber content :	100% Polyester with a coated PU face	1,000 yds	500 yds	500 yds
Yarn number :	DTY 150/144
Fabric :	Circular (Single Knit)
Weight :	240g/m2
Finished :	Pin Brush Inside

If you are interested in this business opportunity contact David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com and I put you in touch with the requesting company.

K-Apparel Recalls Children’s Lounge Pants Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard; Burn Hazard

This recall includes children’s 100% cotton lounge pants. The lounge pants were sold in 18 prints. The lounge pants were available in children’s sizes small through extra-large. The loungewear pants have the brand name “TINFL” and one of the following lot numbers printed onto an inside side seam label: 58500-51, 58500-52, 58500-53, 58500-54, 58500-55, 58500-56, 58500-57, 58500-59, 58500-60, 58500-61, 58500-62, 58500-63, 58500-65, 58500-66, 58500-67, 58500-69, 58500-70, and 58500-71.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled lounge pants away from children and contact K-Apparel for a full refund. K-Apparel is contacting all known purchasers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold At: Online at www.amazon.com from October 2018 through September 2019 for about $18.

Distributor: K-Apparel, of Buena Park, Calif.

Manufactured In: South Korea

Recall number: 20-716

For photos and more information CLICK HERE.

Textile Articles on January 31, 2020, List of China 301 Exclusions

On January 31, 2020, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced exclusions from the 25% China 301 tariffs.

Article descriptions for 119 types of merchandise were included in this list of exclusions, of which three relate to textile articles--

36) Dyed sateen fabric containing artificial staple fibers, measuring 292.1 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5516.92.0060)

37) Rugs of 100 percent polyester or polypropylene, with brass grommets and stainless steel springs, each measuring at least 44 cm by 45 cm but not exceeding 56 cm by 59 cm (described in statistical reporting number 5705.00.2030)

38) Fabrics of 100 percent polyester, silicone coated, of a kind suitable for upholstery, weighing more than 90 g/m2 , meeting ASTM International standard G21, American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standards 147-2004 and 30 and Chemical Fabric & Film Association (CFFA) standard 141 method II (described in statistical reporting number 5903.90.2000)