The textile industries in Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines have agreed to eliminate tariffs on products traded between them, industry sources said Saturday.
The move is aimed at helping their governments reach a trade deal regarding textiles, the sources said. The four countries are set to begin item-by-item talks as part of negotiations to conclude free trade agreements.
The Japanese textile industry wants to expand exports of fashion clothing and value-added textiles, while businesses in the three Southeast Asian countries are trying to sell more underwear and inexpensive garments to Japan.