Over 100 Textile Brands Against Mulesing

Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has published a list of over 100 international textile brands that have a proactive stance against mulesing of lambs.

Read more HERE.

Textiles from Austria on USTR List for Potential 25% Tariff

On March 31, 2021, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published in the Federal Register (86 FR 16816) a request for written comments regarding a potential trade action in connection with the Section 301 investigation of Austria's Digital Services Tax (DST). USTR also will convene virtual public hearings and accept rebuttal comments in relation to the potential action.

Comments are due by April 30, 2021.

Austria has adopted a DST that imposes a 5% tax on gross revenues from digital advertising services provided in Austria. The DST applies only to companies with annual global revenues of [euro]750 million or more, and annual revenues from digital advertising services in Austria of [euro]25 million or more.

On January 14, 2021, based on information obtained during a investigation and the advice of the Section 301 Committee, the U.S. Trade Representative determined that Austria's DST is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, and therefore is actionable under sections 301(b) and 304(a) of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2411(b) and 2414(a))

USTR proposes to impose additional tariffs of up to 25 percent ad valorem on a list of goods from Austria.

The list published at 86 FR 16816 is quite extensive and contains the following articles of protential interest to clients of Agathon Associates.

Note: All products that are classified in the eight-digit subheadings of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) that are listed in this Annex are covered by the proposed action. The product descriptions that are contained in this Annex are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended to delimit in any way the scope of the proposed action. Any questions regarding the scope of a particular HTSUS subheading should be referred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In the product descriptions, the abbreviation ``nesoi'' means ``not elsewhere specified or included''.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
      HTSUS subheading                   Product description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5209.12.00.................  Unbleached 3- or 4-thread twill fabrics of
                              cotton, including cross twill, 85 percent
                              or more cotton by weight, weighing more
                              than 200 g/m2.
5402.49.91.................  Other yarns, monofil; multifil, untwisted
                              or twisted > or = to 5, not exceeding 50
                              turns per meter of other synthetic, not
                              for retail sale.
5404.19.10.................  Racket strings of synthetic monofilament of
                              67 decitex or more and of which no cross-
                              sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm.
5404.19.80.................  Synthetic monofilament (exc.
                              polypropylene), of 67 decitex or more and
                              with no cross-sectional dimension > 1 mm,
                              nesoi.
5603.94.10.................  Nonwoven floor covering underlays (not of
                              man-made filaments), weighing >150 g/
                              square m, whether or not impreg, coated,
                              cov or laminated.
5603.94.90.................  Nonwovens nesoi (not of man-made
                              filaments), weighing >150 g/square m,
                              whether or not impregnated, coated,
                              covered but not laminated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S., Australia, Canada, and UK Issue Joint Statement on Hong Kong

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Begin Text:

We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, underscore our serious concern at the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law.

The National Security Law is a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework. It has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views.

We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention. It is crucial that the postponed Legislative Council elections in September proceed in a fair way that includes candidates representing a range of political opinions.

Joint Statement on Hong Kong

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Begin Text:

We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, reiterate our serious concern regarding China’s imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong. Following the imposition of the National Security Law and postponement of September’s Legislative Council elections, this decision further undermines Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms.

China’s action is a clear breach of its international obligations under the legally binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration. It breaches both China’s commitment that Hong Kong will enjoy a ‘high degree of autonomy’, and the right to freedom of speech.

The disqualification rules appear part of a concerted campaign to silence all critical voices following the postponement of September’s Legislati

ve Council elections, the imposition of charges against a number of elected legislators, and actions to undermine the freedom of Hong Kong’s vibrant media.

We call on China to stop undermining the rights of the people of Hong Kong to elect their representatives in keeping with the Joint Declaration and Basic Law. For the sake of Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity, it is essential that China and the Hong Kong authorities respect the channels for the people of Hong Kong to express their legitimate concerns and opinions.

As a leading member of the international community, we expect China to live up to its international commitments and its duty to the people of Hong Kong. We urge the Chinese central authorities to re-consider their actions against Hong Kong’s elected legislature and immediately reinstate the Legislative Council members.

End text.

Joint Statement on Hong Kong – Canada, US, UK, and Australia

"Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of freedom. The international community has a significant and longstanding stake in Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Direct imposition of national security legislation on Hong Kong by the Beijing authorities, rather than through Hong Kong's own institutions as provided for under Article 23 of the Basic Law, would curtail the Hong Kong people's liberties, and in doing so, dramatically erode the autonomy and the system that made it so prosperous.

"China's proposals for a new national security law for Hong Kong lies in direct conflict with its international obligations under the principles of the legally-binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration. The proposed law would undermine the One Country, Two Systems framework. It also raises the prospect of prosecution in Hong Kong for political crimes, and undermines existing commitments to protect the rights of Hong Kong people - including those set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

"We are also extremely concerned that this action will exacerbate the existing deep divisions in Hong Kong society; the law does nothing to build mutual understanding and foster reconciliation within Hong Kong. Rebuilding trust across Hong Kong society by allowing the people of Hong Kong to enjoy the rights and freedoms they were promised can be the only way back from the tensions and unrest that the territory has seen over the last year.

"The world's focus on a global pandemic requires enhanced trust in governments and international cooperation. Beijing's unprecedented move risks having the opposite effect.

"As Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity are jeopardized by the new imposition, we call on the Government of China to work with the Hong Kong SAR Government and the people of Hong Kong to find a mutually acceptable accommodation that will honor China’s international obligations under the UN-filed Sino-British Joint Declaration."

LandForces 2016 Australia Asia Indo‐Pacific

AMENITIES: The Office of Texties and Apparel (OTEXA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce will feature a Sample Booth at the Show. Included in the package is the promotion of your products and samples at the show, the collection of leads that will be sent to each company in a spreadsheet after the Show and the opportunity for pre‐, concurrent, and post‐show publicity for your company. OTEXA Sample Booth U.S.A. Pavilion

LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia

LAND FORCES 2016 is Australia’s premier land defence exhibition and a leading land defence forum for Australia, Asia and the Indo‐Pacific region. LAND FORCES 2016 will be the perfect occasion for you to connect with the land defence community. Take the opportunity to engage, communicate, network and learn with unprecedented access to Australian and international companies, government officials and technology experts.

EXHIBITORS: Land Forces 2014 was a rich environment for the defence and industry professionals as 464 exhibitors from 22 countries showcased goods and services to more than 10,450 visitors from Australia and the Asia Indo‐Pacific. Exhibitors included companies from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States.

The Australian Army is undergoing its largest transformation in the last 50 years. As they look towards modernization, the industry reports that the Australian Army is seeking to drive innovation and effectiveness by identifying and developing technologies to enhance the fighting capabilities of frontline soldiers and tactical units. This transformation makes exhibiting at Land Forces 2016 an opportune way to showcase your brand and technical products while forming relationships with the land defence community. COST: $950 for 4‐5 samples not to exceed 20 yards or four book samples, company literature and business cards. Shipment of samples to and from Land Forces 2016 is the responsibility of the participant.

For questions please call Mary Lynn Landgraf at 202-482-7909 or email her at Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.

LandForces 2016, Australia Asia Indo‐Pacific, OTEXA Sample Booth 6-9 September 2016

The Office of Tex􀆟les and Apparel ("OTEXA") of the U.S. Department of Commerce will feature a Sample Booth at the Show, 6-9 September 2016. Included in the package is the promotion of your products and samples at the show, the collection of leads that will be sent to each company in a spreadsheet after the Show and the opportunity for pre‐, concurrent, and post‐show publicity for your company.

OTEXA Sample Booth U.S.A. Pavilion

LOCATION: Adelaide Conventionon Centre, Adelaide, Australia.

LAND FORCES 2016 is Australia’s premier land defence exhibition and a leading land defence forum for Australia, Asia and the Indo‐Pacific region. LAND FORCES 2016 will be the perfect occasion for you to connect with the land defence community. Take the opportunity to engage, communicate, network and learn with unprecedented access to Australian and international companies, government officials and technology experts.

EXHIBITORS: Land Forces 2014 was a rich environment for the defence and industry professionals as 464 exhibitors from 22 countries showcased goods and services to more than 10,450 visitors from Australia and the Asia Indo‐Pacific.

The Australian Army is undergoing its largest transformation in the last 50 years. As they look towards modernization, the industry reports that the Australian Army is seeking to drive innovation and effectiveness by identifying and developing technologies to enhance the fighting capabilities of frontline soldiers and tactical units. This transformation makes exhibiting at Land Forces 2016 an opportune way to showcase your brand and technical products while forming relationships with the land defence community.

COST: $950 for 4‐5 samples not to exceed 20 yards or four book samples, company literature and business cards. Shipment of samples to and from Land Forces 2016 is the responsibility of the participant.

For questions please call Mary Lynn Landgraf at 202-482-7909 or email her at Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.

Customs Publishes Final Rule for U.S.-Australia FTA

On January 15, 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published in the Federal Register (81 FR 2085) United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement; Final rule.

SUMMARY: This document adopts as a final rule, with one change, interim amendments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations that were published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2015, as CBP Dec. 15-03, to implement the preferential tariff treatment and other customs-related provisions of the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

DATES: Effective February 16, 2016.

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find more information relating to Australia and the free trade agreement at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/australia/. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

Customs Publishes Regulations for U.S.-Australia FTA

On February 10, 2015, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published in the Federal Register (80 FR 7303) United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement; Interim regulations; solicitation of comments. The Interim rule is effective February 10, 2015; comments must be received by April 13, 2015.

Special Greetings on Friday, April 25th, to Our Readers in Australia, Italy, and New Zealand

April 25th is Italy's Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione), a national Italian holiday commemorating the end of the second world war and the end of Nazi occupation of the country.

April 25th is also Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Australia's Woolmark Seeks to Expand Wool Textile Industry in Vietnam

The Woolmark Company anticipates its Out of Vietnam project will generate growth in the Vietnam wool processing industry, resulting in increased demand for Australian Merino wool, according to a Woolmark report released this spring. To see the full story go to http://www.woolmark.com/out-of-vietnam2. Note this quotation:

"We have already expanded from the initial flat-bed knitting sector and have introduced circular knits, socks and accessories to the project. We are also in the process of setting up a supply chain with the weaving sector to make men’s suits and separates."