AAFA testifies as tariff hearings commence: On Monday, AAFA testified as part of the first of 46 panels to take place as part of the administration's consideration of hitting $200 billion worth of U.S. imports from China with additional tariffs. This list includes ALL travel goods (e.g., hand bags, backpacks, purses, luggage, wallets), ALL hats, ALL textiles; and select specialty apparel, accessories, components, machines, and other equipment. The additional tariffs could increase rates by as much as 25%. 

 

 

 

Hearings regarding the $200 billion list are scheduled to be completed on Monday, August 27, but there is still time to submit written testimony which is due Thursday, September 6. AAFA strongly encourages members to consider submitting testimony. Questions? Reach out to Steve Lamar or Nate Herman. Members can also reach out to Steve and Nate to provide information to support AAFA's submission.

 

Meanwhile, AAFA continues to discuss the negative impacts tariffs will have on the apparel and footwear industry – including interviews with CNBC, Fox Business, and the China Global Television Network during the past couple days.

 

AAFA President and CEO Rick Helfenbein on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, Friday August 17. Watch here.	AAFA’s Rick Helfenbein Fox Business – Countdown to the Closing Bell last week. Watch here.

 

USTR launches Notorious Markets process: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened the comment period for the 2018 Notorious Markets List with a federal register notice on August 16. The Notorious Markets List identifies foreign online and physical markets that facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy. AAFA members are encouraged to share input on markets that fit this description, along with supporting information, to Christina Mitropoulos by September 24.