AAFA sets record straight regarding claims the administration is protecting American consumers this holiday

The American Apparel & Footwear Association today clarified that analysis of the Tranche 4A and 4B lists of products, which will be hit with an additional 10% tariff on September 1 and December 15, shows that:

77% of all apparel, footwear, and home textile products imported to the U.S. from China will be hit with an additional 10% tariff on September 1 – amounting to approximately $39 billion worth of goods.

23% of all apparel, footwear, and home textile products imported to the U.S. from China will be hit with an additional 10% tariff on December 15 – amounting to approximately $12 billion worth of goods.

“By no means is this a win or a de-escalation,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “The administration is imposing an additional 10% tax on U.S. businesses and U.S. consumers. This is a tax that will hurt every American. Contrary to the headlines, the Grinch has stolen the Christmas selling season for our industry.

“Several claims made by the administration are confusing and not supported by action. The administration claims to have removed products from the list for reasons of ‘health, safety, national security, and other factors;’ however, it is hard to see how this logic was applied since items like infant apparel, allergy-resistant bedding, and protective footwear are still on the list. Meanwhile, items that were removed from previous tariff lists are now being freshly taxed, including items like machinery and textiles used to make products in America.

“Further, several statements have been made claiming that the delay of some tariffs were to protect American consumers during the holiday shopping season. While we’re glad the administration is finally confirming that American consumers pay the tariffs, unfortunately many common holiday items are being hit on September 1 – including holiday stockings.

“The administration has just announced one of the largest tax increases in American history. The tax increase will hit Americans this holiday. It is time we realized this.”