August 1: The global apparel industry leaves a significant environmental footprint across each step in the clothing lifecycle. As consumers become aware of this reality, they are increasingly demanding products produced from sustainable resources with minimum environmental impact. According to a recent study by Boston Consulting Group, 50 percent of Millennials believe brands "say something about who I am, my values, and where I fit in," while a recent Nielsen study found that three out of four Millennials — a coveted audience for any apparel company — are willing to pay extra for sustainable product offerings. (Source: Apparel Magazine)

July 27: Many manufacturers perform a cost-benefit analysis when deciding whether to move production abroad. Others, however, are determined to make their products in the United States, even when the costs are higher. (Source: New York Times)

August 1: Foreign trade took a beating at both major party conventions, with speakers blaming free-trade agreements for all but wiping out U.S. manufacturing and eliminating millions of middle-class jobs. Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have promised to renegotiate or abandon trade agreements with key U.S. trading partners such as Mexico and Canada. That would be a colossal mistake. (Source: Los Angeles Times)

July 25: Recently, Alibaba unveiled a new online platform that is aimed at streamlining the process required to track and remove fake goods on its e-commerce platforms. Termed as the Intellectual Property-Joint Force System, this tool will give participating brands an online portal and account manager to better facilitate the removal of counterfeits from Alibaba’s sites. ...This move comes after several warnings from U.S. trade officials about large quantities of counterfeit goods being sold on its platform. It is estimated that fake products account for more than 60% of products sold on Alibaba’s platforms (as per China’s State Administration for Industry And Commerce) and complete elimination of these products can impact its volumes to a large extent. (Source: Forbes)

In Brief
July 26-29: On July 26, AAFA expressed strong support for the Global Gateways Trade Capacity Act (S. 2201). On July 29, AAFA and dozens of other stakeholders urged the World Bank to establish benchmarks that the Uzbek government must meet to prevent the use of government-sanctioned, government-orchestrated forced labor in Uzbekistan’s annual cotton harvest. See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.
Exciting AAFA staff updates:AAFA is thrilled to announce our newest addition to the AAFA team: Alexander Gibson, Communications and Marketing Coordinator. AAFA is also pleased to announce the promotion of Danielle Iverson to Director, Government Relations. Meet our team here!

Get involved! AAFA members get the most out of membership when they participate in our events and committees – join here. Congress and government agencies solicit comments on a range of issues that may affect your business – find a list of comment opportunities here.

Member Welcome: The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. was founded in 1883 and is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. Kroger maintains markets in 34 states, with store formats that include supermarkets, superstores, department stores, convenience stores, and jewelry stores. Kroger owns a variety of general merchandise brands covering apparel, footwear, accessories, and home goods.