Some observers predict that by 2005-06, major textile and clothing buyers will reduce by half the number of countries they source from. The challenge for countries and companies is to remain an important source for these buyers. This article explores the coming changes in the market and highlights steps governments and exporters can take now to avoid adverse impacts.

US importers and retailers of textile and apparel are now focused on the shift in market dynamics post-2004. Speculation is mounting as it looks ever more likely that quotas will end for WTO members.

Service sectors have been underrepresented at the international trade negotiations table. Despite the launch of the GATS negotiations in early 2000, many service sectors in developing countries are poorly placed to provide inputs to the process — although studies project that they stand to gain most from liberalization. The Cancún Ministerial Conference is an opportunity to take stock and allows the service sector to make its voice heard ahead of the GATS negotiations deadline in January 2005.

As the global leather market expands, Africa needs to act now to build on its natural strengths in leather and become a global player. A new federation representing the continent’s leather interests as well as business-focused African trade gatherings are steps in the right direction.

After the World Trade Organization’s Fourth Ministerial Conference held in Doha, Qatar in November 2001, delegations in Geneva worked immediately to set in place the machinery for the new trade negotiations. They had no time to lose as ministers have set a three-year deadline — up to 1 January 2005 — to complete the Doha Development Agenda.