As tariffs begin, auto industry given one-month exemption
March 5th, 2025
Imports from Canada and Mexico to U.S. automakers were given a one-month exemption to new tariffs on goods from these two countries, which began March 4. This decision by President Donald Trump comes after a March 5 conversation with three leading U.S. auto manufacturers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. The administration indicated this would be […]
Public comments on trade open, tariffs begin next week
February 27th, 2025
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is now accepting public comments on foreign trade practices and the Section 301 sanctions on China. The deadline to submit comments on foreign trade practices is March 11. The deadline to submit comments on Section 301 sanctions is March 24. USTR will hold a public hearing […]
Robotics plus ETFE fabric architecture in a Chinese building
November 1st, 2024
This dynamic architecture features ETFE petals that open and close around the building, offering privacy or views. When you think of robotics, architecture probably is not what first comes to mind. But design company line+, of Hangzhou, China, partnered with robotics systems company RoboticPlus.AI to create a dynamic building like no other. The public building, […]
Renewed strength in domestic manufacturing
November 1st, 2023
Advanced economies are now serious about boosting their manufacturing. In the U.S., textile market opportunities include high-end segments such as medical, aerospace, defense and infrastructure. Image: Dreamstime Since the pandemic, the world economy has been full of anomalies. With a strong labor market, one normally expects higher demand in daily nonessentials such as clothing, home […]
China trade tariff exclusions expiring
May 30th, 2023
Exclusions from the Section 301 tariffs on imports from China for the following medical care products needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic will expire June 1. - HTSUS 3923.21.0095 (other plastic sacks and bags for the conveyance or packing of goods) - HTSUS 5603.14.9090 (other nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated) - […]
Silicone synthetic leather for cars
October 1st, 2022
A cutaway view of Sage-ONF’s silicone synthetic leather product. Photos: Sage-ONF Sage-ONF, a synthetic leather supplier based in Shanghai, China, has begun manufacturing silicone synthetic leather, a petroleum-free, non-carbon-based product solution for today’s automobile interiors. Automotive interiors must be tough enough to tackle mile after mile with a super resilient resistance to extreme temperatures. Tested […]
Textile and apparel groups send letter to VP Harris
June 6th, 2022
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products, and the Central America – Dominican Republic Apparel and Textile Council (CECATEC), the main apparel and textile group in the region, sent a joint letter to Vice President Kamala Harris on May 31, outlining critical […]
USTR 301 tariffs review statement by NCTO president & CEO Kim Glas
May 5th, 2022
Photo: Diamond Brand Gear National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas, representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products, issued a statement on the U.S. Trade Representative’s statutory four-year review of the China 301 tariffs. Statement from NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas: “We have long […]
New Year, new reasons to know your supply chain
March 1st, 2022
On December 23, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) which will significantly raise the stakes for any company importing from or doing business with China. Most significantly, once the statute fully comes into effect in 2022, importers of a wide range of products into the United States—including many […]
Tips for working with Chinese suppliers and customers
June 1st, 2020
In pandemic times and beyond, doing business with the world’s most populous country presents challenges for Westerners. Here are 15 practical tips. By James Chan, Ph.D. Gift-giving is a valuable practice when working with Chinese business partners. When the author couldn’t find face masks in his local store in the U.S. at the beginning of […]



