NEW import duties on foreign cloth could have devastating effects on the region's textile industry, trade groups have warned.

Trade associations have told the European Commission that the duty on untreated "grey cloth" imports could lead to the closure of many dyeing and finishing firms within months of the ruling taking effect.

Anthony Wright, chairman of the British Interior Textiles Association (BITA) said: "Very little of this basic cloth is actually produced in Europe, yet Europe's textile finishers use large quantities to produce the printed and finished fabrics retailed as clothing, curtaining, upholstery or for sale by the metre."

"Our textiles are highly successful in domestic and world markets because of their excellent price, quality and design.

"A duty on grey cloth imports will force up the price of fabrics finished in Europe and open the way for fabrics finished overseas.

"Finished fabrics are available from overseas countries at very low cost and buyers will be already reviewing their options.

"We are not looking at long-term effects - this will happen within weeks."

The BITA, along with the Textile Finishers Association (TFA) and the British Apparel and Textile Confederation (BATC) is urging the European Commission to change its mind.

The tariff, averaging 20 per cent, is designed to stop cheap foreign imports of cloth from countries like India, China and Pakistan. It came into force at the end of last month as a provisional measure and the EC intends to analyse the result before making a final decision.

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