Apparel sector may take second hit.

Much of the debate in Congress over the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement has revolved around the impact it would have on the nation's agricultural sector.

Locally, though, the focus has been on manufacturing--specifically the apparel sector. where cheap imports from China and other Asian countries have already caused thousands of job losses.

In the past year, 9.4 percent of all apparel manufacturing jobs in L.A. County have vanished, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many shops closed down ahead of the January lifting of quotas on certain apparel imports from China.

A similar impact would occur if CAFTA passes, said Karin Mak, project coordinator for the workers' rights group Sweatshop Watch.

"Most of the job loss will be due to the elimination of (certain) garment quotas," Mak said. "CAFTA, which is an extension of NAFTA, would further deteriorate workers' protections."

L.A.'s apparel industry has already made the transition from long-run production lines making underwear, T-shirts and sweatpants to so-called flash fashions that have short shelf lives and require quick turnarounds. The area has also become a hub for apparel design, sample-making and marketing operations.

Over the last several weeks, House and Senate committees have been holding hearings on CAFTA, which would cut back on tariffs for goods flowing to and from the United States. Full House and Senate votes on the treaty, which is supported by President Bush, aren't expected until June or July.