216. Kim Glas, National Council of Textile Organization | The De Minimus Loophole216. Kim Glas, National Council of Textile Organization | The De Minimus Loophole
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
What does the textile industry and families against fentanyl have in common? They both want to eliminate the De Minimus Loophole that allow foreign goods under $800 to pass into the United States with little scrutiny or taxes. It is one way fentanyl is entering the US. Kim Glas joined the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) in May 2019 as President and CEO. NCTO represents the broad spectrum of the domestic textile industry from fiber to finished products. She has over 20 years of experience in government policy development and advocacy. Kim also serves as an appointed Commissioner to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Her multi-faceted career includes spearheading manufacturing and trade policy efforts on Capitol Hill, serving as a key leader on behalf of the textile industry, and previously leading a non-profit organization, BlueGreen Alliance, engaged in advancing critical policies to grow quality, U.S. jobs in the clean energy economy. Kim served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In that role, she worked to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the broad product range of U.S. industries. She also served as the chairman for the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. Read about the Close the De Minimis Coalition Read about How fentanyl traffickers are exploiting a US trade law to kill Americans
43:52•10 Feb 2025
How the Textile Industry is Battling Fentanyl Smuggling
Episode Overview
- The De Minimus Loophole allows foreign goods under $800 to enter the US with minimal scrutiny.
- Drug traffickers exploit this loophole to smuggle fentanyl into the country.
- The textile industry has faced significant challenges due to this loophole.
- Closing the loophole would help both the textile industry and public health.
- Legislative action is needed to address this issue.
“You never know in life where the road will lead. I have been working well over five years to close a trade loophole that is destroying my industry.”
Ever wondered how the textile industry intersects with the fight against fentanyl? In this episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), to discuss the De Minimus Loophole. This loophole allows foreign goods under $800 to enter the United States with minimal scrutiny, and it's being exploited by drug traffickers to smuggle fentanyl into the country.
Glas, with over 20 years of experience in government policy, sheds light on how this loophole not only affects the textile industry but also poses a significant threat to public health and safety. Kim Glas explains the complexity of the textile industry, which is often underestimated. From the fabric on your couch to the clothes you wear, textiles are an integral part of daily life.
However, due to predatory trade practices and the De Minimus Loophole, the US textile industry has faced significant challenges, including plant closures and job losses. The conversation takes a deeper dive into how drug traffickers exploit this loophole, making it easier to smuggle fentanyl into the United States. Glas shares heart-wrenching stories of families who have lost loved ones due to fentanyl-laced packages arriving through the mail.
The discussion also highlights the urgent need for legislative action to close this loophole, which would not only help the textile industry but also make it harder for drug traffickers to operate. By the end of the episode, you'll gain a new perspective on how interconnected industries can come together to tackle complex issues like drug trafficking. It's a compelling call to action for both policymakers and consumers to support measures that protect American industries and save lives.
So, if you're curious about how a seemingly small trade loophole can have far-reaching impacts, this episode is a must-listen.
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