The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has welcomed the Trump administration’s decision to pause “reciprocal” tariffs for 90 days but hopes it can be “extended to all countries” – especially China.
Steve Lamar, President and CEO of AAFA said that despite the pause, the US policy still leaves extreme tariffs on China that will lead to higher consumer prices for apparel, footwear, and accessories – and higher costs for US manufacturers that rely on materials sourced from China.
“It is our hope that this limited pause can be extended to all countries so that US companies, now caught in the crosshairs of a frenzied trade war, can focus their energies on encouraging the US and its key trading partners to negotiate an end to both US and foreign trade barriers,” he said.
“We further urge the Administration to work closely with Congress, and with all stakeholders, so that we can forge a more durable trade policy that is based on partnership of reciprocal trade, not fear of crushing tariffs.”
AAFA sees the pause as only a “first step” in a policy that Lamar should be “more comprehensive, predictable, and durable.” The US trade association produces helpful regular comment and updates on the impacts on tariffs in the US apparel and footwear industry.
