Quotas on Chinese textile imports are due to expire by the end of 2007. However, now the French Government has decided to demand an extension of these quotas.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon told the media, "We will fight to push back the 2008 date for the lifting of quotas on Chinese textiles, like the US."

Fillon said that European Union should help textile players to remain competitive and be a part of globalization.

Christine Lagarde also supported this move, saying, “The EU must return to negotiate with China in the framework of the WTO for more protection, notably on the subject of Chinese textiles."

However, EU stated that it would remain firm on its decision to end quotas be 2007.