$500 billion tariff threat: In a July 19th interview with CNBC, President Trump expressed that he is prepared to impose new punitive tariffs on $500 billion of U.S. imports from China. In response, AAFA released this press statement, chastising the announcement and reiterating our stance: tariffs make American companies and farms less competitive – not more competitive – and it is time to stop using the American consumer as a pawn in this conflict. For recent coverage with AAFA’s remarks, see Trade articles above, including our Bloomberg Markets radio interview.

Just yesterday, AAFA also signed on to a multi-industry association letter, including more than 60 organizations representing U.S. manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, retailers, technology companies, importers, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders. This letter expresses our concerns with the continued use of tariffs as a means of leverage against China. It clearly articulates that the new proposed tariffs on an additional $16 billion worth of Chinese imports and the recently announced retaliatory tariffs on another $200 billion in Chinese goods will harm U.S. companies, workers, and consumers.
 
For regular in-depth member updates, talk to AAFA’s Steve Lamar about AAFA’s Government Relations Committee. Members can also access a high-level summary of what's going on with AAFA's Trade War Heat Map.
 
AAFA submits comments supporting GSP: On July 17, AAFA submitted comments supporting the continued GSP-eligibility for India, Indonesia, and Thailand. This comes after AAFA testified on June 19.

Department of Labor repeals "persuader rule": On July 18, the Department of Labor repealed the "persuader rule," which made it more difficult for employers to access legal counsel or expert advice on labor and employee relations issues. The Federal Register notice with additional information is available here.

Thank you to our incredible summer interns! AAFA was pleased to welcome a great group of talent this summer with interns from the University of Huddersfield, University of Maryland, North Carolina State University, Penn State, and the University of Pennsylvania studying topics varying from Fashion and Textile Management to International Business. Please help us thank Eros Shreve, Caitlin Moore, Michelle Kerstein, Amber Linton, and Aiden Reiter!

Know someone interested in interning with the AAFA team? We are accepting applications for fall internships.
 
 
AAFA’s fabulous summer interns enjoy the rooftop view!

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.