The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) reacts to President Trump’s announcement of a 90-day halt and reduction in “reciprocal” duties, along with further tariffs imposed on Chinese imports into the United States.
AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar voiced alarm about this minute-by-minute uncertainty in trade policy.
Businesses are being forced to choose between disarray and expenses as a result of the inconsistent tariff policy. It is a welcome brief pause to allow US negotiators and dozens of trading partners to work out sustainable outcomes, but if the kind of investments that will support more US jobs are to be encouraged, the policy must be more comprehensive, predictable, and long-lasting, he opined.
This legislation still imposes an unsustainable levy on imports from the biggest trading partner of our sector into the United States. In addition to President Trump’s Section 301 tariffs, this high tariff on US imports from China will raise the cost of everyday clothing, accessories, and footwear. It will also increase the expenses for American manufacturers who depend on goods and materials that are only available in China, he added.
