EC attempts to free up clothing supplies
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has acknowledged the problems facing retailers over restrictions on Chinese textile imports. However, he is understood to be unwilling to change his stance on imposing quotas, saying retailers had been aware of the implications for some time.

Mandelson called the problem a 'serious glitch', but said he was confident an agreement could be hammered out to satisfy European retailers' need to source products for the autumn and winter seasons.

However, the proposal - backed by EC officials - to start using more than 9 per cent of next year's quota now has already been rejected by the Chinese authorities, according to press reports.

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