October 8: The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday cut its growth forecasts for the United States and China, citing the recent waves of tariffs the world's top two economies have imposed on each other. (Source: CNN)

October 7: ... because their products sell at higher prices, the impact of tariff-related price increases will be more noticeable to consumers, said Steve Lamar, executive vice president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. A 25% tariff on a $20 purse adds $5 or $50 to a $200 purse, he explained. Even wealthier shoppers might balk at those kind of price hikes. “Luxury consumers want value, they don’t want to pay for the luxury of paying Uncle Sam,” Lamar said. (Source: MarketWatch)

October 4: ... The trade-preference level for apparel sent from the United States to Canada has more than doubled. ... “This will be big for Southern California manufacturers,” said Steve Lamar, the executive vice president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, who has been following the free-trade negotiations. “That is something we and many others have been asking for.” (Source: California Apparel News)

October 9: EU's punitive trade response to premier Hun Sen's rigged election and retreat on rights could devastate the nation's crucial export-oriented garment industry. (Source: Asia Times)

October 5: ... The committee's report to government could include a call for the fashion industry to create less pollution, a demand for longer life for garments and a ban on dumping clothes in landfill. (Source: BBC)

October 3: Retailers and logistics operators are bringing robotics and artificial intelligence to distribution centers to move online orders at a faster pace in a tight labor market. (Source: Wall Street Journal)

October 3: ... The American Apparel & Footwear Association has appealed to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) asking that three foreign Amazon marketplaces — in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany — be added to the government agency's Notorious Markets list for alleged involvement in selling counterfeit or pirated products. (Source: Retail Dive)

September 17: A UK scheme has been developed to protect consumers and small businesses from counterfeit goods sold on social media groups. (Source: Securing Industry)

How to support Americans for Free Trade: Last month, AAFA co-founded a multi-industry coalition – Americans for Free Trade – which is comprised of more than 80 of the nation’s leading trade associations representing thousands of businesses and workers united against tariffs. Member companies are encouraged to get involved! Contact Steve Lamar or Nate Herman to learn more on how to engage.

AAFA has also been an active participant in Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a nationwide campaign against tariffs that are hurting American families and communities. This was launched in September as a partnership between the Farmers for Free Trade coalition and the new Americans for Free Trade coalition.

Last week in Costa Mesa: Last week, AAFA hosted a very productive fall Board meeting at Vans in Costa Mesa, CA. A very special thank you to VF Corporation for hosting and sharing such a welcoming and impressive Vans experience with us. The next Board meeting and Capitol Hill visit will be hosted this spring alongside the 2019 AAFA Executive Summit. Members and friends of AAFA are invited to join us at the Summit, March 13-15 in D.C. at MGM National Harbor!