Since 1957, textile and apparel imports into the U.S. have been somewhat restrained by various types of controls, expanding in country and product coverage in an attempt to slow down foreign imports. From 1962 to 1973, the average tariff on textiles was 14.5%, while the average for apparel was 27%. During these years quota restrictions on cotton textiles and apparel added little to the price paid by U.S. families for imports because other fibers could enter the U.S. without quantitative restraints. Despite restrictions, U.S. imports of textiles and apparel grew from 6.3% domestic consumption in 1960 to 9% in 1970 to 12.1% in 1980 to 20.8@ in 1984. The compound rate of growth of textile and apparel imports was about 19% since 1980, far in excess of the permissible levels allowed by the MFA. This paper considers the pros and cons of protectionism and considers the concept and role of an industrial policy for the United States.