Posted November 18, 2014

 

With much of the U.S. layered up as record cold temperatures set in this week, I think it’s a good time to thaw out the ol' reporter's notebook and disseminate some recent annotations. (Of course, my notebook these days is electronic, so let’s hope the lithium-ion contains anti-freeze.):

 

TPP or not to be?

 

Speaking of shivering, the prospect of a “bad” Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) gives me chills. I’ve read a lot about the proposed agreement and heard National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President Auggie Tantillo speak enough about its possible outcomes to know the implications could be devastating to the U.S. textile industry and others. If you’ve heard Auggie, you know his argument against TPP – at least in certain forms (i.e. unsatisfactory yarn-forward, market access and Customs rules) – is compelling and convincing.

 

The White House wants the 12-country deal done soon. During President Obama’s recent visit to China, he discussed with the 11 other partners the TPP, which he said will “expand American influence in Asian nations” as a counterpoint to China’s growing dominance. Let’s hope a lame-duck Congress doesn’t grant the administration trade promotion authority, also known as "fast track," which says Congress can approve or reject a deal once it is completed, but can't amend or filibuster it. Too much is at stake for a mere up and down vote.

 

In a nutshell, TPP is “a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam,” said Tantillo, speaking to the Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association (SYFA) last month. And Vietnam, he added, is an “economic superpower in textiles” and “not the junior varsity when it comes to our industry.” Keep up the fight, Auggie.

 

Alasdair C’s masterpiece material

 

I’m privileged to hear numerous speakers throughout the year, some multiple times. One of those I’ve come to appreciate more and more is Alasdair Carmichael of consultancy firm PCI Fibres of the U.K. Alasdair speaks to groups frequently. Based in Spartanburg, S.C., he gives a semi-annual report to the SYFA, and always imparts useful information related to the fiber market. I invariably learn something during his well-researched, well-sourced and well-delivered presentations.

 

In his most recent talk to the SYFA last month, he included in his slide deck a glimpse of all the recent investments made in the U.S. in the polyester, nylon, cotton and nonwovens arenas. If my math is correct, these investments represent more than $2 BILLION being pumped directly into our industry. Let's hope the Obama Administration and its trade negotiators have taken note of this.

 

News trickle

 

Even if you haven’t been to the mall, it’s obvious the holidays are approaching. The textile news cycle has slackened considerably the last couple of weeks as companies wind down activities for the year. News about investments, acquisitions, expansions, hirings, product releases, etc. have slowed to a trickle. It’s planning and budget (and eatin’) season, of course, so as you look toward 2015, be sure to check out our calendar and save the date for various industry activities next year. These conferences, seminars, trade shows and meetings are important for our industry as we stay included, involved and in-the-know.

 

Oh, and (shameless plug alert), as you work through your budgets, please consider partnering with eTC on your marketing and advertising program in the coming year. I’d love to speak with you about expanding your reach, raising awareness and making the right impression on the right people.

 

OK, enough for now. Brrrrrrrring on the holidays and the new year.

Novembrrrrrrr notes