NewslineVolume IV, Issue 25 - December 19, 2003The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) Talks ConcludedThe United States and four Central American nations concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement on December 17th. The countries who completed the negotiations were Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras. Costa Rica will undertake further consultations at home before being able to finalize its participation in CAFTA. The CAFTA countries already enjoy duty free access to the U.S. market for the majority of their exports through trade preference programs. These countries often have high tariff and non tariff barriers for U.S. exports and impose restrictions on U.S. Businesses. CAFTA will reduce barriers to U.S. trade and require reforms to the legal and business environment such as improving enforcement of intellectual property rights. There may be an effort by the U.S. administration to add the Dominican Republic to the Agreement early next year before it is sent to Congress for approval where it may meet stubborn resistance from the textile industry. Summary - More than 80 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial goods will become duty free in Central America immediately. Remaining tariffs will be phased out over 10 years. - Textiles and apparel will be duty free and quota free immediately if they meet the Agreements rule of origin requirements creating new opportunities for fiber, yarn, fabric and apparel manufacturers. - The Central American countries will offer substantial market access across their entire services section including construction, energy, tourism, transport, insurance and others. The American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition has voiced opposition to CAFTA. The opposition anticipates increases in the trade deficit, elimination of U.S. manufacturing jobs, the loss of U.S. market share for domestic manufacturers and the encouragement of illegal transshipping. There is concern that non-CAFTA signatories such as China will receive duty free treatment for products exported to the U.S. using their components. CRI will continue to monitor the progress of the Agreement. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. American Council on Science and Health Holds Anniversary DinnerThe American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) recently held its Silver Anniversay Dinner in New York City and CRI was one of the attending sponsors of the event. ACSH is considered the leading research group devoted to separating bogus health scares from real dangers. John Stossel, co-anchor and correspondent for ABC News "20/20", was the Master of Ceremonies at the dinner which honored among others, Bruce Ames, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland; Norman Borlaug, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate and professor at Texas A&M; C. Everett Koop, M.D., Former U.S. Surgeon General; Donald Anderson, M.D., professor at Center of Civilian Biodefense Studies; and Mark McClellan, M.D., Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. CRI plans on presenting its body of evidence on carpet and its health effects to the Council for its review. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. United States Business Council for Sustainable Development Holds Annual MeetingCRI recently attended and participated in the annual meeting of the United States Business Council for Sustainable Development in La Jolla, California. The two-day meeting was designed to create and deliver value driven sustainable projects in the United States. The meeting included forums on By-product Snynergy, University Partnerships and a workshop on Water Strategies and Solutions. CRI has been given the opportunity to join the organization with hopes of forming partnerships which would combine the carpet industry's stellar record on sustainability with other businesses and industries in hopes of finding synergies and projects beneficial to all. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. Carpet Industry Sustainability Report Available on WebsiteThe Carpet and Rug Institute's "Sustainability Report 2002" which showcases the carpet industry best practices is now available on the CRI website in Portable Document Format (PDF). Please feel free to download and print for your information and use. Member companies participating in this report were: Atlas, Barrett, BASF, Beaulieu of America, Burtco, Collins & Aikman, Dixie Group, Dow Chemical, Interface, J & J, Lees Carpets, Mannington, Milliken & Company, Mohawk, Shaw, Solutia Inc., Springs, and SI Corporation. View Sustainability Report 2002 Freudenberg Nonwovens Rejoins CRIIt's great to have Freudenburg back as a member of CRI. Freudenberg's business is primary automotive carpet backing. You may contact Freudenberg Nonwovens at 3500 Industrial Drive, Durham, NC 27704. Phone 800.232.7786 & Fax 919.477.1165. "Carpet For A Better Environment" Receives IIDA Continuing Education CreditThe International Interior Designers Association (IIDA) has granted continuing education units (0.1 CEUs) to CRI's one-hour presentation, "Carpet For A Better Environment." This presentation will be listed in the IIDA Course Manual and on the IIDA website under the continuing education course list (Course Number 4541). For more information, contact Barbara Day at 706.428.2138. CRI Meetings* Commercial Caucus, January 7, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., CRI Boardroom CRI Participation in Upcoming Events* Surfaces, January 28-30, 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Louise Dobbs at 706.428.2104. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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