We are told by the industry that the larger garment companies and increased demand from abroad largely drive this year’s outlook. The future for this sector however, remains under some cloud. The imposition of WTO rules and the global move to trade liberalisation will threaten market access and pose challenges to our competitiveness.
A welcomed reprieve on this front, albeit temporary, is the Australian Government’s extension of the Textile, Clothing & Footwear provisions under the SPARTECA. However, the looming expiry of the US quota is a serious threat to the future growth in the industry. Sugar The daunting problems of the sugar sector are well known.