Faux Leather Fabric Sneaks Into Free Trade Loophole
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting January 28, 2026, a special faux leather fabric bonded to pile fabric is officially added to the CAFTA-DR list of products not made enough in Central America or the Dominican Republic. This means U.S. importers can bring in unlimited amounts of this fabric without restrictions, helping businesses get what they need faster and easier. If you’re in textiles or apparel, this change could speed up your supply chain and save money on sourcing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Unrestricted Import: Faux Leather Fabric
Starting January 28, 2026, a knit faux leather fabric bonded to a pile fabric (HTS 6001.92.00) is added to Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities. U.S. importers and apparel/textile businesses can import unlimited amounts of this specific fabric without CAFTA-DR commercial-availability restrictions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20244, Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”)
The U.S. government just added a special faux leather fabric to a list that lets companies import it freely under the CAFTA-DR trade deal because it’s not made enough in partner countries. This change starts October 2, 2026, helping businesses get the materials they need faster and without limits. If you’re in the textile or apparel world, this means smoother sourcing and potential cost savings!
2026-19674, Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”)
The U.S. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements just added a special viscose printed twill lining fabric to the CAFTA-DR list because it’s not made enough in Central America or the Dominican Republic. This means businesses can now import this fabric without limits starting September 25, 2026, making it easier and faster to get the materials they need. If you’re in the textile or apparel world, this update could save you time and money!
2026-19672, Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”)
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2026-19675, Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”)
The U.S. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements just added a special polyester/viscose twill lining fabric to the CAFTA-DR list because it’s not available quickly enough in Central America or the Dominican Republic. This means businesses can now import this fabric without limits starting September 25, 2026, making it easier and faster to get the materials they need. This change helps textile makers save time and money by expanding their sourcing options.
2026-19673, Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”)
The U.S. government has decided that a special polyester/cuprammonium yarn-dyed twill lining fabric isn’t available enough in CAFTA-DR countries. So, starting September 25, 2026, this fabric can be imported without limits under the trade agreement. This change helps businesses get the materials they need faster and easier, boosting trade and production.
2026-19191, Limitations of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary Sub-Saharan African Countries From Regional and Third-Country Fabric
Starting October 1, 2026, new limits are set on duty-free imports of clothes made in certain Sub-Saharan African countries using regional or third-country fabric. This affects apparel businesses in those countries and U.S. importers who benefit from duty-free deals. The changes cap how much duty-free apparel can enter the U.S., aiming to balance trade benefits and protect U.S. interests.
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