Tariff fight rages on and $200 billion in tariffs take effect next week: Last night (September 17), President Donald Trump ordered a 10% punitive tariff on $200 billion worth of goods and components imported from China starting Monday, September 24. The punitive tariff on these goods will be adjusted from 10% to 25% starting January 1 if there is no progress made in U.S.-China talks. AAFA has been unyielding in making the case against these tariffs and in a stern statement yesterday expressed that the Administration''s decision shows a deep disregard for American businesses, American workers, and American families who will all be severely affected.
AAFA has also been an active participant in Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a nationwide campaign against tariffs that are hurting American families and communities. Launched September 12 as a partnership between the Farmers for Free Trade coalition and the new Americans for Free Trade coalition (of more than 80 of the nation’s leading trade associations representing thousands of businesses and workers) the group is working to bring attention to the benefits of international trade to the U.S. economy.
To learn more about how to take part in the efforts to stand against additional tariffs, contact AAFA''s Steve Lamar or Nate Herman.
MTB now law: On September 13, President Trump signed the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) into law which is a major victory for AAFA members, the industry, and beyond. AAFA has been active for the past three years pushing for the reform of the MTB program as a way to lower the excessive duty burden currently charged on the industry – supporting members in MTB requests and advocating for Congressional action on the final MTB package itself. Effective October 13, the MTB will reduce or eliminate tariffs on U.S. imports of hundreds of inputs and finished products, including dozens of footwear, apparel, and textile items (see list of items here) through December 31, 2020. For questions, contact AAFA''s Nate Herman.
AAFA''s Nate Herman discusses the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill
and how it will impact the apparel and footwear industry.
and how it will impact the apparel and footwear industry.
Your support for hurricane disaster relief: AAFA members are invited to help support donations following the impacts of Hurricane Florence. Here are two ways to help:
Delivering Good seeks your help with product donations at this time of great need following Hurricane Florence – email product@Delivering-Good.org or call (646) 362-9088 to help! Last year, 7,000 financial donors supported the 2017 disasters and over 300 companies donated new merchandise – such as apparel, underwear, socks, towels, sheets, blankets, comforters and pillows – to those in need. Delivering Good is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the charity of choice for new product donations made by hundreds of companies in the fashion, home and children’s industries. Since 1985, over $1.8 billion of donated products have been distributed through its network of community nonprofits, serving the poor and disadvantaged worldwide. Visit delivering-good.org to learn more.
Two Ten is offering emergency financial assistance, information, referral services, and counseling to footwear employees and their families affected by Hurricane Florence. The only philanthropy in America that focuses solely on its own industry, Two Ten Footwear Foundation serves the country’s 330,000 footwear employees from coast to coast through services and programs that directly improve their lives. 100% of the proceeds donated to Two Ten''s Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Fund will go to help footwear families affected by the storm - and every dollar counts! For more information, visit twoten.org or dial (800) 346-3210.