Tariff testimony – and last chance to submit comments! The September 6 deadline is looming to submit written testimony as part of the U.S. Trade Representative's review of the proposal to hit $200 billion worth of U.S. imports from China with punitive tariffs. AAFA members are encouraged to submit comments, share information with Steve Lamar or Nate Herman for AAFA's comments, and share how these added tariffs will impact your business with the press and your Members of Congress. Questions? Contact AAFA's Steve Lamar or Nate Herman.

AAFA's Steve Lamar shares three ways you can show your opposition
to the addition of punitive tariffs on U.S. imports from China.

NAFTA negotiations continue under pressure: The U.S. will continue negotiations with Canada this week, following the announcement that it had come to an arrangement with Mexico on August 27. With the goal of having a signed agreement prior to the transition of power in Mexico later this year, negotiators face a tight deadline as well as continued threats of termination of the agreement. AAFA strongly supports a trilateral agreement that is seamlessly implemented so that supply chains are not disrupted.

AAFA opposes removal of Uzbek cotton from forced labor list: On August 29, AAFA joined with several other organizations to oppose the removal of Uzbek cotton from a federal government list of commodities that require certification to avoid forced and child labor.

Reports from Commerce: The U.S. Department of Commerce has released two long-awaited reports: U.S. Footwear Industrial Base Assessment – Summer 2017 and U.S. Textile and Apparel Industrial Base Assessment – Summer 2017 – which grew out of a suggestion made at a Government Contracts Committee meeting several years ago. They provide important new information that AAFA pushed to have developed so policy makers can better understand the economic health of the textile, apparel, and footwear industry.

Welcome to AAFA’s newest team members! AAFA is pleased to announce the addition of Agata Borradori and Candice Austin to the AAFA Team! Agata (Accounting Manager) is responsible for finance, accounting, budget, and HR functions at AAFA. Candice (Sponsor Engagement Manager) is responsible for managing and facilitating AAFA’s sponsorships across its educational platforms, as well as special events. Both Agata and Candice look forward to meeting our AAFA membership! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to Candice at 202-853-9354 or via email as you think about ways to engage more closely with AAFA.

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.