In Brief

Important GSP update! Last night, Congress took the next step on the path to providing duty-free access for certain footwear products (products such as rubber sole shoes with textile uppers, outdoor footwear, and slippers, among others) through the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. If approved and added to the program, this move is estimated to save the industry $57 million per year in duty-savings! AAFA has been the lead in this push to provide duty-savings for the footwear industry through GSP. More information is available in this press release.

In case you missed it - last week in Hong Kong! On October 26, AAFA hosted our Executive Think Tank, which brought together more than 130 executives. We thank the incredible speakers - change agents who are charting a new path and helping propel our industry forward with vision and leadership. During the week, AAFA also launched new agreements with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP).

AAFA President and CEO Rick Helfenbein made headlines throughout the week in support of AAFA’s trade priorities, with television interviews on CNBC and BBC World News in advance of President Trump’s trip to Asia. 

Full house at AAFA’s Executive Think Tank in Hong Kong on October 26.	AAFA leadership, including President and CEO Rick Helfenbein and Board Chairman Paula Zusi after signing MOU with CONWEP.

AAFA submits comments regarding MTB and trade barriers: On October 25, AAFA submitted comments in support of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) to the House Ways and Means Committee. Additionally, AAFA submitted comments to the Administration ahead of its report on foreign trade barriers.

See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.