Towel producers call for early invocation of safeguards on textiles

Some 4,800 towel producers attended an assembly in Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on September 8, calling for an early invocation of safeguards to curb textile imports. Ehime Prefecture produces 60 percent of Japan's towels.

Towel producers last February requested the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry to invoke safeguards to protect domestic textiles. The ministry has been carrying out a study on the issue since April and its conclusion is expected to be published on October 15.

Expressing deep concern about the hollowing out of Japan's domestic industries, Japan Towel Industrial Association Director Yoshihara Yoshihide called on rally participants to fight for the protection of the region's towel production as well as jobs.

Due to the strong yen, towel imports have increased so rapidly that foreign towels now have the larger share in the domestic market.

Shikoku Towel Industrial Union Director Kondo Kanji said that towel production is on the verge of collapse and that the union is demanding that the government take measures to stimulate economic recovery and to help domestic industries.

Pointing out that the rally was attended by many citizens, women, and agricultural cooperative members in addition to towel producers, he stressed that the invocation of textile safeguards is a common request in the region.

Vice Finance Minister Murakami Seiichiro and Ehime Governor Kato Moriyuki expressed their determination to get the safeguards invoked and Japan's local industries protected.

From the Japanese Communist Party, House of Representatives Member Haruna Naoaki and two prefectural assembly members attended the rally. (end)