Textile Mills Struggle for Survival in the Face of Trade Rules William Lucas, the general manager of Eagle Sportswear in Middlesex, N.C., has invested heavily in training workers to use more efficient techniques. However, a U.S. trade rule known as de minimis, which allows foreign companies to ship goods worth less than $800 directly to U.S. customers without tariffs, is posing a threat to domestic textile manufacturers. The rule has led to a surge in tariff-free packages entering the U.S., benefiting foreign producers at the expense of American manufacturers and workers. The textile industry in the Carolinas, once a thriving hub, is facing challenges, with several plants closing and declining apparel sales. Despite these difficulties, some manufacturers are committed to keeping production in the U.S. and are advocating for changes in trade rules to support domestic industries.