@article{Redman:334639, recid = {334639}, author = {Redman, John M. and Sears, David W.}, title = {Helping Rural Manufacturers Adjust to New Trade Rules: Developing State Strategies for the Rural Apparel Industry}, address = {1994-08}, number = {2487-2023-649}, series = {Rural Development Research Report No. 87}, pages = {31}, year = {1994}, note = {For purposes of this study, we have defined the apparel sector broadly to include: (1) the yarn, fabric, and machinery sectors supplying the clothing sector, (2) the clothing manufacturing sector, (3) the apparel distribution network, most importantly the retail sector, and (4) the labor from households, educational institutions, and training programs employed in all these sectors. We use the term "apparel" to refer to these sectors collectively. We use the term "clothing" to refer only to those activities that (1) cut whole fabric into pieces, (2) assemble these pieces into a final garment, or (3) form yarn directly into a completed garment (e.g., hosiery) without first cutting pieces from fabric. We use the term "textile" to refer collectively to yarn production, fabric production, and fabric finishing.}, abstract = {During the 1990's, apparel industry adjustment to foreign competition and technological change will likely accelerate as the new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the recently concluded General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) significantly expand foreign access to the U.S. apparel market. To better cope with this adjustment, a State may wish to form "apparel action teams" to review State economic development options vis a vis the apparel industry. This report discusses 12 key questions a State might usefully address in assembling such a team and defining the team's agenda. The 12 questions fall into 3 major categories: (1) putting together the policy team; (2) setting the ground rules for planning; and (3) setting the ground rules for implementation. The "action team" approach suggested here should be widely applicable for use in many States' key manufacturing sectors. }, url = {http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/334639}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.334639}, }