The US Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements said it was extending until November 30 a review on whether quotas are needed to limit four categories of Chinese textiles imports.

The decision came after the United States and China this week failed to clinch a comprehensive agreement to regulate their textiles trade. Further talks are planned for October.

"We have made progress in our consultations with the Chinese government and will meet again soon to continue those consultations," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and CITA chairman James Leonard said in a statement.

"Today's action demonstrates our intent to consult in good faith, but we will not accept a bad deal for US industry," he said.

The four categories of Chinese imports are cotton and man-made fibre sweaters; cotton and man-made fibre dressing gowns and robes; men's and boys' wool trousers; and knit fabric.

A coalition of US textiles manufacturers requested so-called safeguards to limit Chinese imports in the four categories after complaining they had rocketed following the end of global textiles quotas on January 1.

CITA has already postponed a ruling on the request twice while negotiations are pursued with China.

But the inter-agency committee has ruled favourably on US industry requests for safeguards on nine other Chinese import categories this year.