Tariffs in action - our continued opposition: On July 6, the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariff on $34 billion worth of U.S. imports from China came into force. The Chinese government responded with tariffs on $34 billion worth of U.S. exports to China. AAFA continues to speak out on behalf of the industry. In case you missed it, watch AAFA President and CEO Rick Helfenbein on Fox Business - Countdown to the Closing Bell last week, where he shared insights on the U.S.-China trade spat and what it could mean for consumers. As the U.S. considers additional tariffs on imports from China, AAFA asks members to continue to speak out in opposition; take action with our prepared letter in the Legislative Action Center.

Connect with pre-screened factories through East Africa Trade Hub: Last year, AAFA signed an MOU with the East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, a USAID-funded project that boosts trade and investment with - and within - East Africa. The USAID Hub does this by promoting two-way trade with the U.S. through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and its duty-free access to the U.S. market, and by facilitating trade linkages between leading U.S. firms and pre-screened factories in East Africa that have competitive production. The project is organizing customized sourcing missions to visit the factories that best suit each AGOA-eligible product category and today’s market-driven "forward sourcing" trend. For information, reach out to Andres Salidas.

Public hearing regarding California workers' compensation classification: The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has proposed changes to classifications contained in the California Workers’ Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan –1995 (USRP). The changes would affect California wholesalers – not manufacturers or designers. The proposed changes would be included in a Regulatory Filing submitted to the Insurance Commissioner for review and approval effective January 1, 2019. In response to this Filing, the Insurance Commissioner will conduct a public hearing, scheduled for August 3, 2018.