WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the entire spectrum of the American textile sector from fiber to finished sewn products, today issued a statement endorsing a significant letter led by the House Textile Caucus. This bipartisan appeal urges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fortify customs enforcement and actively combat widespread fraud that has significantly impacted U.S. textile manufacturers.
Lawmakers Call for Urgent Action on Illegal Trade Practices
A bipartisan collective of House lawmakers addressed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, stating, “Unfortunately, for decades, the American textile industry has suffered greatly from customs fraud and abuse by foreign competitors and organized crime.” The letter further emphasized the critical need for effective trade policy enforcement, noting, “Our trade policies and tariff structures are only as effective as their enforcement. As you begin your role as Secretary, we urge you to review and ensure the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is properly oriented and outfitted to fully enforce our customs laws.” The letter, spearheaded by House Textile Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. David Rouzer (R-NC) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), garnered support from 14 additional House members.
Comprehensive Strategy for Textile Customs Enforcement
The congressional group additionally called upon DHS to “develop and institute a comprehensive textile enforcement program.” This program, as outlined, should include several key measures:
- Revoking trade privileges for offenders.
- Publicly listing and implementing stronger penalties for repeat perpetrators.
- Increasing audits, lab testing, and verification processes for free trade agreement claims.
- Ensuring the timely publication of enforcement statistics.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas expressed profound gratitude for the congressional initiative. “I sincerely thank Congressman Espaillat and Congressman Rouzer for leading these efforts and strongly commend the bipartisan group of lawmakers for taking the lead in calling on Secretary Mullin and his agency to take urgent action to address a wide range of illegal trade practices that are severely impacting the U.S. textile and apparel industry,” Glas stated.
Glas highlighted the broader implications of these illicit activities. “This letter sends a powerful message that customs fraud, illegal transshipment, and tariff evasion are rampant and must be stopped. These illegal trade practices cost American jobs, undermine legitimate manufacturers, weaken our trade agreements, and deprive the U.S. Treasury of billions of dollars in revenue,” she affirmed. The NCTO leader concluded by expressing the industry’s readiness to collaborate. “The industry looks forward to working with Congress, DHS, and CBP to strengthen customs enforcement efforts and ensure a level playing field for U.S. textile manufacturers and workers.” This focused push for robust textile customs enforcement is vital for the future health of the American textile sector.
