Additional tariffs pending? On Thursday, April 5 President Trump directed the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to consider an additional $100 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports from China and AAFA countered with this rebuttal. This followed the April 3 list of U.S. imports from China to face tariffs (which did not target apparel, footwear, travel goods, or related consumer products, but did list machinery used by the industry) released by USTR, and China's retaliation list – targeting $50 billion in U.S. product categories. AAFA has secured substantial news coverage on this topic, just a sampling of which is featured under trade. Find additional stories in Boston Globe, CBS MoneyWatch, Footwear News, Politico, Sourcing Journal, and WWD. Members are encouraged to get involved by contacting Steve Lamar or Nate Herman.
Update on CA/CT microfiber legislation: AAFA’s efforts on the California and Connecticut proposed labeling measures are ramping up quickly. Last week, AAFA’s Kristen Kern testified in Sacramento, CA regarding legislation introduced (AB 2379) that would add labeling requirements and consumer awareness programs for clothing made of synthetic fibers like polyester. AAFA also testified in Connecticut on March 14 in opposition to a similar bill (S.B. 341). Despite the best intentions of the state legislators, AAFA is highly concerned about both the research supporting the alleged issues and the proposed solutions. To support AAFA’s efforts around these troubling bills, or for more information on the issue, contact AAFA’s Kristen Kern.
Protecting product safety in Vermont: On April 9, AAFA joined with 11 other trade associations in
urging Vermont Governor Phil Scott to veto S.B. 103. The bill would remove the role of the working group established under the Children’s Safe Products Act (Act 188 of 2014) to allow the Department of Health to ban chemicals, and does not require sound science when making determinations.
Meet AAFA’s Brand Protection Council: With all of the news around tariffs on U.S. imports from China, the importance of intellectual property (IP) seems to get lost in the shuffle. Meet AAFA’s
Brand Protection Council (BPC) which is laser-focused on the global war against counterfeit apparel, footwear, and related accessories. Charged with helping to protect U.S. branded products against cheap imitations that are flooding the marketplace, the BPC is composed of legal, brand enforcement, and marketing representatives of AAFA member companies. To join, contact AAFA’s
Christina Mitropoulos. On April 26, AAFA and the BPC will celebrate
#WorldIPDay in coordination with the National Intellectual Property Rights Center – stay tuned for more information to support the awareness efforts as the date approaches.
A few words from the #AmericanImageAwards Honorees: On April 16, we are proud to honor: Emanuel Chirico of PVH Corp. as the Person of the Year; Joseph Altuzarra as Designer of the Year; Floriana Gavriel and Rachel Mansur of Mansur Gavriel as Fashion Mavericks; Fred Segal as Retailer of the Year; and Camuto Group as Company of the Year! With less than a week to the gala, find
a few inspiring words from each of the honorees with this conversation led by CFDA. For the second year, AAFA has partnered to support CFDA Foundation initiatives as the event beneficiary.
See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.
Congress and government agencies solicit comments on a range of issues that may affect your business – find a list of comment opportunities here.
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