But the trade commissioner also said the EU would not itself undermine the benefits of textiles liberalisation, amid fears that the United States may opt for protectionism to protect its clothing industry.

"Our first responsibility is to make sure that we maintain the prize of liberalisation in this sector," Mandelson told reporters after meeting Canadian Trade Minister Jim Peterson.

"The removal of quotas is I think a tremendous achievement and advance for the trading system. I don't intend to do anything to diminish that prize," the British official said.

"My second responsibility is to make sure that the way in which this change occurs does so in as efficient and smooth a way as possible and does not a shock to that sector, in particular that weak and vulnerable countries are not sent reeling by its impact," he added.

The EU's executive commission is drawing up guidelines to regulate textiles trade once the quotas are lifted in the New Year.