Domestic politics and the making of US foreign policy towards China during Bush's first term : the case of US textile industry

The article examines the impact of the textile industry on the development of the U.S. foreign trade policy toward China. The role of the textile industry in the foreign trade policy of the U.S. toward China was governed by several political realities in the U.S., including the influence of the industry, the Congress and the 2004 presidential election. It provides an overview of the conflict between the U.S. and China concerning knit wear, dressing gowns and robes and brassieres. The reasons for the decision of U.S. President George W. Bush to impose import quotas on certain Chinese textile products in 2003 are outlined.