Newsletter at-a-glance
AAFA members can download the newly released CSR Benchmarking Survey Report! AAFA will testify against the next round of proposed tariffs on Monday, August 20. Find more information under AAFA News.
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August issue: ... Global value chains are the largely unseen "army" of U.S. workers who collaborate in a highly integrated network to get a product from concept to consumer (and in our increasingly circular economy back to concept again). ... Increased tariff talk and actions have awakened these global value chains so they are increasingly more visible and vocal. ( Source: Fashion Mannuscript, op-ed by AAFA's Steve Lamar)
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August 12: ... The tool the administration has used to pressure these nations is a program known as the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, or GSP, initiated in 1976 to aid the economic development of poor countries by granting them duty-free treatment on a selection of thousands of goods, from vehicle parts to jewelry. ( Source: Wall Street Journal)
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August 10: ... Trade zones aren’t a loophole for avoiding Trump’s tariffs on products destined for the U.S. market, but they can be a way for companies to avoid duties on goods shipped to the U.S. and subsequently exported. ( Source: Bloomberg)
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August 9: ... Mr. Heiman has succeeded, creating around 400 jobs in two Southern towns, but now the Trump tariffs are threatening to drive those jobs back overseas. That’s the opposite of what Mr. Trump claims is happening due to his tariffs. ( Source: Wall Street Journal)
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August 13: ... While one person opting to carry around a reusable water bottle can make a small difference, eco-friendly production on an international scale has its own exponential impact — helping to shape the future of the market itself and altering its own massive footprint in the present. ( Source: Business Insider)
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August 13: ... China’s retail landscape has room for companies to elbow their way in. However, in China there are two decisions that guide any retailer. ( Source: Harvard Business Review)
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August 7: ... The apex garment manufacturers’ body Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has also claimed the students’ demonstration was hurting the export oriented apparel sector of Bangladesh. ( Source: Apparel Resources)
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August 11: ... With billions of views a day, the video site helps spur global cultural sensations, spawn careers, sell brands and promote political agendas. ... The fake-view ecosystem ... can undermine YouTube’s credibility by manipulating the digital currency that signals value to users. ( Source: New York Times)
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August 7: ... The counterfeit sneakers look like real Air Jordans in design and color but lack the logos that are registered trademarks, court records said. (Source: ABC News)
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August 7: Shares of Chinese e-commerce company Pinduoduo recently plunged after Chinese regulators launched a probe into allegations of counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringements. ... These headaches won't end for Pinduoduo anytime soon, and they raise red flags for another controversial e-commerce player -- NetEase's Yanxuan. ( Source: The Motley Fool)
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2018 CSR Benchmarking Survey Report now posted: As highlighted at last week’s sold-out Traceability Seminar in Seattle, AAFA has released the 2018 AAFA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Benchmarking Report! Members can now download the report (and editions dating back to 2015) along with other exclusive Tools & Research on the website.
Joint comments on China tariff exclusion process: On August 8, AAFA joined a letter co-signed by more than 80 other trade associations — representing U.S. manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, retailers, technology companies, natural gas and oil companies, importers, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders — offering comments on the China 301 tariff product exclusion process. The letter stresses the importance of establishing an expedited and fair process to exclude products from these and future lists to mitigate the negative impacts of the proposed tariffs.
What’s next for tariffs: The administration continues to move forward with its third list of punitive tariffs on U.S. imports from China, totaling $200 billion. This list includes all textiles, all travel goods, all hats; and select apparel, accessories, and machinery used in domestic manufacturing. While originally identified for a 10% tariff, the administration is considering increasing the rate to 25%. The opportunity to submit written comments regarding this list has been extended to September 6, and public hearings will take place August 20-23. AAFA has been confirmed to testify on August 20. To learn more, or help explain to legislators how tariffs on products and inputs would impact your businesses, contact AAFA’s Steve Lamar.
AAFA supports full ILAB funding: AAFA joined with a group of organizations and brands to express support for full funding of the Department of Labor's International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) in an August 2 letter. The letter — sent to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies — expresses support for the role ILAB plays in promoting a fair global playing field for workers in the U.S. and around the world.
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.
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Member Welcome: Thistle & Spire
 Created from a mutual love of femininity, courage, and spirit, Thistle & Spire is designed by juxtaposing luxe fabrics and alluring architectural details mirroring the multi-faceted sides of being a woman. Thistle & Spire is a woman-owned and operated small team of creatives in Brooklyn.
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August & September
August 22 Webinar: Managing Transportation Risks
September 6 Webinar: Removing Dangerous Chemicals from the Supply Chain
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Trade
