Yet once the global quota system for textiles is removed in 2005, rich countries may resort to trade-remedy rules to protect themselves from increases in textile imports from poor countries.

ECONOMIST: Trade-remedy laws are damaging the world trade system

There will also be more pressure for safeguards in the months ahead, especially when the quota system that has long ruled global textile trade is eliminated at the end of this year.

ECONOMIST: America's trade relations with China are smooth, for now