AAFA applauds tariff relief on crucial PPE product

American Apparel & Footwear Association president and CEO Steve Lamar welcomed today's announcement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), extending tariff exclusions for imports of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 

"We are thrilled that the Biden Administration has taken action to extend the Section 301 exclusions on cloth face coverings and other PPE for six months," said Lamar. "While we focus on COVID-19 relief and recovery, it is essential that these efforts not be undermined by production cost and retail price increases due to tariffs. Today’s action prevents these problems. 

"At the same time, we must focus on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As such, we again call for the expeditious review of the underlying China 301 tariffs as well as those exclusions that were allowed to expire in 2020. Additionally, many PPE categories are still caught in this tariff trap as are other products that support many U.S. jobs in our industry and in our economy. 

"We look forward to working with the new team at USTR on these pressing issues." 

The association has long brought attention to the detrimental impacts of tariffs on American consumers, American workers, and American business - especially as it relates to the production of PPE during the battle against COVID-19. Most recently, AAFA called for the Biden administration to extend the temporary exclusion provided for imports of PPE from China 301 tariffs, which was reflected in today's announcement.

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