The US apparel sector recommends a non-stacking model for tariffs, similar to Japan and the EU. They also call for the removal of tariffs on manufacturing inputs and machinery and the elimination of tariffs on free-trade-agreement qualifying products. Measures should be phased in with sufficient lead time for adaptation.

Audrey Clark of AAFA highlighted existing tariff programs causing uncertainty for sourcing and planning, including Section 301 tariffs on China and proposed tariffs on Nicaragua. The sector heavily relies on trade, with 97% of clothes and shoes bought in the US being imported. Barriers like tariffs, quotas, and standards increase costs and lead to job losses.

AAFA emphasized the importance of trade for the US apparel and footwear industry, estimating that about 3.6 million jobs depend on value chains. They reported high trade-weighted average tariff rates for apparel, footwear, home textiles, and travel goods compared to the overall average rate. Duties collected on imports surpassed $18.3 billion in 2024.

The association will continue to collect information on export barriers from members to provide to USTR and other agencies for consideration. Last month, AAFA called on the Trump administration to reassess the newly implemented port-fee regime, citing its failure to meet intended goals. “Apparel sector urges US to phase in new tariffs, boost predictability” was originally published by Just Style.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Apparel sector urges US to phase in new tariffs, boost predictability