WRITTEN QUESTION No. 982/99 by Concepció FERRER The reduction of tariffs imposed by the United States on the textile sector
Date: 1999-04-15
Institutions: European Parliament, FERRER
Subjects: United States, international trade, tariff barrier, tariff negotiations, tariff reduction, textile industry

C 370/148

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.12.1999

results of a study they have carried out the difference between the cost price of Spanish tomatoes and
French tomatoes is due essentially to differences in labour costs caused by the employment of illegal
immigrants who work without a contract. As a result, the continued existence of the French tomato
producers’ businesses is threatened. At the same time the number of producers in the Iberian Peninsula
continues to grow, assisted by structural aid from the authorities (for water, greenhouse extensions, etc.)
and Europe (structural funds).

Is the Commission aware of these distortions of competition which are the direct result of the completion
of the single market and the lack of social harmonisation in the Union? Does it have the power,
in
particular as a result of the new provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty which will shortly enter into force, to
control illegal immigration more effectively? Lastly, can it consider the possibility of reparation in the form
of compensation or a refusal to grant European aid in the event of social or indeed fiscal dumping?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 1999)

The Commission has contacted the Honourable Member to obtain a copy of the study quoted, which must
be examined before any position can be taken on whether the situation described suggests a breach of
Community law. Once the Commission has received the study,
it will answer the substance of the
Honourable Member’s question as quickly as possible.

(1999/C 370/207)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0982/99

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(15 April 1999)

Subject: The reduction of tariffs imposed by the United States on the textile sector

Despite the substantial progress made in the reduction and removal of trade barriers at the Uruguay
Round, the United States continues to levy a significant number of tariffs and tariff peaks on the textile and
apparel sector, ranging from 25 % to 33,6 %.

In view of the recent transatlantic trade negotiations, could the Commission give details of the progress
made with the United States regarding tariff reductions in this sector?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1999)

It is correct that the United States maintains tariffs in respect of textiles and clothing products substantially
higher than those maintained by the Community. In addition, as stated by the Honourable Member, these
include peaks applying to certain products.

The United States has made no proposals in respect of possible reductions of tariffs in the textiles and
clothing sector during any of the contacts between the Commission and the United States authorities.

The Commission considers, however, that the reduction in harmonisation of tariffs, including those for
textiles and clothing, remains an objective in future multilateral negotiations.