ApparelStats and ShoeStats 2018 now available! These premiere publications are the most comprehensive and authoritative sources for U.S. apparel and footwear industry statistics, with data through 2017. The reports, available for download by AAFA members, contain information on imports, retail sales, retail prices, consumption, employment, exports, and domestic production.

AAFA members: download ApparelStats here and download ShoeStats here.

We are proud to share that collectively, the U.S. apparel and footwear industry employed nearly 4 million Americans in well-paying jobs in 2017 and contributed more than $400 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. Non-members may see a snapshot of the data with our 1-pager here.

Tariff comment period closes: The public comment period regarding the proposed list of $200 billion in U.S. imports from China ended Thursday night, September 6. As part of that process, AAFA led or contributed to the following submissions:

Submitted joint letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) opposing a proposal to levy border taxes on consumer and commercial products imported from China, signed by nearly 300 brands and companies.
Joined a letter signed by 22 trade associations representing fashion related industries to express opposition on Tranche 3 of the China Section 301 tariffs.
Provided post-hearing comments in conjunction with more than 150 other trade associations, representing all sectors of the economy, on Tranche 3 of the China 301 tariff procedures.
Filed post-hearing comments in connection with our August 20 testimony.

Approximately 6,000 comments were submitted during this period, and the administration has indicated that it will not make a decision on the $200 billion list until these comments have been reviewed. Meanwhile, the President indicated a willingness to add punitive tariffs on an additional $267 billion worth of U.S. imports from China during an interview on Friday. AAFA will continue to keep members informed as developments unfold. In the meantime, contact AAFA's Steve Lamar or Nate Herman with any questions.

Presidential signature needed on Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB): On September 4, the House of Representatives passed the U.S. Senate’s version of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Act of 2018. AAFA immediately congratulated the bill’s sponsors and encouraged President Trump to sign the bill into law. AAFA has long supported the MTB, which would temporarily eliminate or reduce import duties on products and inputs that are not made in the U.S.

Dredging comments: AAFA contributed to comments submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on September 4, regarding the need to update dredging regulations. The comments highlight the need to widen and deepen U.S. ports to accommodate larger classes of cargo ships.