Matt Priest has been named as US deputy assistant secretary for Textiles and Apparel. In his new role, Mr Priest will oversee programmes and strategies to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the US fibre, textiles and apparel industries as well as chair the interagency Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA).

The deputy assistant secretary for Textiles and Apparel administers US textile quota agreements, formulates trade policy, performs research and analysis, compiles industry data, and promotes US trade events for an entire spectrum of textile and apparel goods.

Mr Priest currently serves as senior advisor to the assistant secretary for Import Administration at the Department of Commerce, where he advises on textile and trade issues.