Expert speaks on trading textiles and apparel

Since 2009, Michigan’s imports and exports of textiles and apparel have increased twofold.

Grand Valley State University’s Van Andel Global Trade Center will hold a full-day seminar on November 2 on the “Fundamentals of Importing & Exporting Textiles & Apparel.”

Trade in textiles and apparel is often perceived as complicated and high risk, and subject to differing trade rules across countries, labeling laws, Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, and numerous documentation requirements. The recent expansion of free trade agreements has brought about more changes in tariffs and regulations.

The seminar will help companies unravel the countless nuances associated with trade of textile and apparel. It will explore regulatory framework, explain special trade programs and provide information on the classification and country of origin determinations for textiles and apparel.

Fundamentals of Importing/Exporting Textiles and Apparel
Friday, November 2
8:30 a.m–3:30 p.m.
GVSU Bicycle Factory, 201 Front Ave., Grand Rapids

Speakers for the program include attorney Michael Cone, an expert in customs and international trade law with Fisher Broyles. Cone has nearly two decades of experience in the areas of regulatory compliance, customs and international trade, and export control law. He has been interviewed by the New York Times and NPR’s All Things Considered. Mark Bleckley with the Van Andel Global Trade Center will speak along with Cone.

The event is sponsored by Fisher Broyles. Register at www.vagtc.org.

For more information, call (616) 331-6811 or email [email protected].