91999E0982

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0982/99

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(15 April 1999)

Subject: The reduction of tariffs imposed by the United States on the textile sector

Despite the substantial progress made in the reduction and removal of trade barriers at the Uruguay Round, the United States continues to levy a significant number of tariffs and tariff peaks on the textile and apparel sector, ranging from 25 % to 33,6 %.

In view of the recent transatlantic trade negotiations, could the Commission give details of the progress made with the United States regarding tariff reductions in this sector?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1999)

It is correct that the United States maintains tariffs in respect of textiles and clothing products substantially higher than those maintained by the Community. In addition, as stated by the Honourable Member, these include peaks applying to certain products.

The United States has made no proposals in respect of possible reductions of tariffs in the textiles and clothing sector during any of the contacts between the Commission and the United States authorities.

The Commission considers, however, that the reduction in harmonisation of tariffs, including those for textiles and clothing, remains an objective in future multilateral negotiations.