The largest industry in the United States, India, Austria, Pakistan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Portugal, among others, is the textile and clothing industry. And perhaps in no other sector of postwar trade, save agriculture, have such persistent cries for protection been raised. Trade in textiles has demanded and received special treatment from national and international authorities since the late 1950’s. It is against this backdrop that some of the more important developments in the international regulation of commercial activities have occurred.