BRUSSELS, April 25 (UPI) -- The European Union has warned China that if it doesn't voluntarily reduce its clothing exports to Europe, it may face enforced limits.
EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson gave the warning Sunday as he launched an EU probe into nine categories of Chinese textile exports, the BBC reported.
Exports of certain Chinese clothing items to Europe have surged by more than 500 percent since an international quota system came to an end Jan. 1.
The EU study will look at sharp increases in exports of Chinese T-shirts, pullovers, men's trousers, blouses, stockings and socks, women's overcoats, brassieres, flax or ramie yarn, and woven fabrics flax.
According to the World Trade Organization, China made 17 percent of the world's textiles in 2003, but this is expected to rise above 50 percent within three years.
WTO rules state that countries proving excessive Chinese clothing imports cause "market disruption" can limit the growth in Chinese imports to 7.5 percent a year until 2008.
Mandelson urged China to unilaterally take the necessary action to reduce its exports. His comments came after French Industry Minister Patrick Devedjian said some 7,000 French textile jobs could be at risk unless China limited its exports.
