Philippine clothing sector seeking alternative to SAVE Act

he Philippine clothing industry says it will re-launch its lobbying efforts to push a law through the US Congress giving it privileged access to American markets, after the shelving of the long-anticipated Save Our Industries (SAVE Act).

Meanwhile, the Philippine government said it will wait for the next US Congress to revive such a bill. Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo said the government has decided to put aside plans to look for a sponsor and refile the SAVE Act in the current Congress as the US government is preoccupied with both domestic and international issues.

The SAVE Act was a measure that sought duty-free entry of Philippine-made apparel using American fabrics to the US. The proposal, first filed in Washington in 2009, was seen as the key to reviving the local garment sector, which has been suffering from reduced sales, exports and employment since 2005.

For the full story, see the March 2014 edition of Textiles South East Asia. Not a subscriber? Subscribe HERE