2-way stretch polyester/spandex fabric in CAFTA-DR short-supply list

The US Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) recently approved a short supply request alleging that certain two-way stretch polyester/spandex woven fabric is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner from potential suppliers in the countries under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).

This fabric has the look and feel of combed cotton dress wear fabric.

CITA is an interagency group chaired by the department of commerce and is responsible for matters affecting textile trade policy and for supervising the implementation of all textile trade agreements.

CITA has, therefore, added this fabric to the short supply list in the annexure of CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities, which will allow duty-free imports of apparel made in CAFTA-DR countries with this fabric regardless of where it is sourced. This determination is applicable as of January 3.

The CAFTA–DR provides a list in Annexure 3.25 for fabrics, yarns and fibres that the parties to the agreement have determined are not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any party. This list is modified from time to time.

CITA has also received a CAFTA-DR short supply request on certain nylon dobby weave fabric, which is describes as‘dobby weave on a triple beam air jet loom’.

The petitioner has requested that this fabric be added to the short supply list in the CAFTA-DR Annexure 3.25, which would allow duty-free imports of apparel made in CAFTA-DR countries with this fabric regardless of where it is sourced. Responses with an offer to supply this fabric are due no later than January 11.

As per the revised CAFTA Short Supply List posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA–DR Commercial Availability proceedings:

Specifications: Certain Two-Way Stretch Polyester/Spandex Woven Fabric

HTS: 5407.51, 5407.52, or 5407.53

Fiber Content (AATCC 20A): 95% (94%–96%) polyester and 5% (4%–6%) spandex

Yarn Size:

Warp: 100D +40D polyester/spandex textured filament

Weft: (100D + 40D SP)*2 polyester/spandex textured filament

Thread Count (ASTM D3775):

English (yarns/inch2): 118 (116–120) warp x 82 (81–83) weft

Metric (yarns/cm2): 300 (296–305) warp x 209 (206–212) weft

Fabric Weight (ASTM D3776):

English: 3.72 (3.65–3.78) oz/yd2

Metric: 126 (124–128) g/m2

Weave Type: Woven Plain and Twill Weave

Fabric Width (ASTM D3774):

English: 61.25 (60.50–62.50) inches

Metric: 153 (151–155) cm

Stretch (ASTM D3107):

Warp: 15% (14%–16%)

Weft: 17% (16%–18%)

Finish: Optical white Prepared for printing/piece dyed/yarn dyed/with soft hand (no chemistry finish)