Updated: 2005-08-03
China appreciates the US delay over its decision on Chinese textiles and expect substantial progress before it makes its final decision.

The US Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) announced on Monday that it would delay the decision on new safeguard measures for six categories of Chinese textile and garment products.

These include woollen trousers, sweaters made from cotton and man-made fabrics, and brassieres.

The institution said the decision, which was due to be announced soon, is not expected until the end of this month.

"We noticed that the United States is fulfilling its promise made last month," said Chong Quan, spokesperson of the country's commerce ministry yesterday.

US officials promised on the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade to be prudent when applying new safeguard measures on Chinese textile products.

This is the third time within 15 days that the US Government has announced the delay of its decision on imposing curbs on Chinese textiles.

It said it wants to consider a single comprehensive agreement with China over textile trade.

Officials at the US commerce department said it could discuss a broader solution with domestic companies and the US Congress during this extended period.

Lu Jianhua, a senior official from the commerce ministry, said the two countries agreed to hold a new round of talks soon, but he declined to give an exact time.

However, the CITA accepted complaints against five additional categories of Chinese textile products, including socks, woman's blouses and pyjamas.

Chong said China firmly opposed any protectionist move by the US Government as this would violate free trade principles.