December 7: The amount of import taxes paid by businesses in October was the highest in U.S. history, hitting $6.2 billion, according to a new report from a pro-trade group. ... The campaign is a project of Americans for Free Trade, a group comprised of 150 trade associations opposed to tariffs ... (Source: The Hill)

December 7: Any U.S.-Japan trade deal should include simple drawback rules, recognize Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) participants and adopt customs provisions based on six-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, Nate Herman, senior vice president for supply chain at the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), told the International Trade Commission (ITC) Thursday. (Source: American Shipper)

December 5: ... "We have continuously told the administration throughout the USMCA process that it is essential for the new agreement to be implemented seamlessly, so that our businesses can learn the new rules and have time to adjust our supply chains to take advantage of the deal," said Rick Helfenbein, president of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. "Adding additional pressure on Congress to sign or fail is not in the best interest of America." (Source: CNN)

December 11: ... Representatives from apparel and footwear companies, including Adidas, Nike and Puma, had urged the government to drop what are seen as politically motivated criminal charges against trade unionists. (Source: Reuters)

December 10: ... The charter is industry-led, meaning all its targets have been agreed on by the 31 signatory businesses rather than the UN. The UN has additionally made it clear that other companies are welcome to sign the charter, so long as they work within the fashion design, retail or supply industries. (Source: edie.net)

December 6: Retail analysts call the problem of returns a "ticking time bomb" for the New Year. (Source: Retail Dive)

December 10: ... The problem? Supreme is not actually collaborating with Samsung. It also is not expanding into China. Instead, another company, one that has notoriously co-opted the Supreme name and branding, is. (Source: The Fashion Law)

December 10: ... Published by the European Commission on Friday, December 7, the new “Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List” encourages non-EU authorities and the operators of marketplaces to crack down on IP abuse. The report also aims to make citizens aware of the environmental and safety risks of purchasing counterfeit goods. (Source: World IP Review)

December 5: ... The shipment was intercepted in September en route to an address in Chino, Calif., from Dongguan City, China, and CBP says that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement are continuing to investigate the case. (Source: Footwear News)

Trade with Japan, the EU, and the UK: The Trump administration is in listening mode ahead of trade negotiations with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. AAFA is representing the apparel, footwear, and travel goods industry at these public hearings and emphasizing how these agreements could support the industry and American jobs.

If your company is interested in trade with these countries, then now is the time to engage. Contact AAFA's Steve Lamar and Nate Herman to share insights.

AAFA's Steve Lamar discusses hearings ahead of free trade agreement
negotiations with Japan, the EU, and the UK.

AAFA/WRAP Working Hours Best Practices: Earlier this month, AAFA published the Working Hours Best Practices (member login required) to help companies achieve greater transparency into the actual hours being worked by employees in supplier factories and address root causes that lead to excessive working hours. Download now! Contact Nate Herman for further details on this project or for other matters related to AAFA’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.

AAFA internship opportunities: Know someone interested in interning with the AAFA team in Washington, D.C.? We are currently accepting internship applications for opportunities in AAFA’s Government Relations as well as Communications and Marketing departments.

See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.