U.S. Commerce Dept says data covering the 12 months ending in November 2002 show China has surpassed Mexico as the leading exporter of textiles and apparel, as a result of, in part, a major surge in products that recently were removed from quota limitations. Chinese imports in the 12-month period increased 117 percent compared to the same period of 2001.

    The last time China was the leading exporter was in 1995, but by 1996 trade with Mexico took over the number one spot as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Most of the Mexican apparel imports contained U.S. yarn and fabric.

    Last August the American Textile Manufacturers Institute filed a petition with Commerce seeking reimposition of quotas on Chinese products where triple digit increases in imports have occurred.