Washington, D.C. - Amid the colorful and edgy designs on display at the annual Hong Kong Fashion Week, more than 150 executives representing branded apparel companies and clothing manufacturers from around the world got some sobering news on how the global business of fashion could be impacted by the current U.S. political climate. Nicole Bivens Collinson, Vice President for Trade Negotiations and Legislative Affairs for leading international trade law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., told the standing-room only crowd attending Asia's largest fashion fair that U.S. trade policy in 2008 is going to present some very real challenges for businesses dependent upon the smooth movement of goods into the U.S. marketplace.

Collinson cited no less than six new bills on product safety alone, some specifically targeting the textile and apparel industry. "While the focus in the headlines has been tainted food and toys, there can be no doubt that all imported products will be affected by new laws and regulations governing imports. And apparel is right up there, especially infant's and children's wear," she said. "Expect to see increased examinations and testing. And expect any increased costs to be passed down to the manufacturers and importers if action isn't taken to ensure an equitable way to pay for the new programs."

Collinson also emphasized that key changes in trade policy will likely occur, regardless of which party wins the presidency or ends up in control of Congress. "The slowing U.S. economy, domestic manufacturing job losses, product safety issues and the China trade deficit are all going to be fodder for protectionist politicians seeking to garner domestic support in the November presidential and congressional elections," Collinson explained. "The U.S. textile lobby is out in full force pressuring the administration and Congress to erect trade barriers with China, sometimes even going so far as to leverage the interests of other nations at China's expense."

Is there an alternative to this doom and gloom scenario? Yes, says Collinson, but it is going to take the trade community becoming more proactive in protecting its interests. "We need to frame the debate and not leave it to others to set the agenda without input from key stakeholders," she explained. "The key is to continue to educate the public and our public officials on the benefits of trade."

Collinson spoke at the January 16 "One Step Ahead - Know More About the US Market" seminar presented at the 39th Fall/Winter Hong Kong Fashion Week, a trade event held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.