AAFA news and archive

How US trade organisations responded to the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs

On Friday, the US Supreme Court overruled Donald Trump’s tariffs, determining that the president had wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose levies. The region’s trade organisations swiftly responded to the ruling, largely expressing support for the court’s decision, many grateful for the stability...

BusinessPress Release

AAFA Welcomes Announcement of the Berry Amendment Caucus

The American Apparel & Footwear Association applauds the launch of the Berry Amendment Caucus, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-chaired by Representatives Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Don Davis (D-NC). “We are grateful to Reps. Pat Harrigan and Don Davis for their tireless support of the Berry Amendment, and for...

BusinessPress Release

Industry Recognizes Progress With Enactment of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs

Industry welcomes this critical retroactive extension but calls on Congress to make progress on a long-term extension and ensure the program advances versus lapsing in December 2026. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrates today's enactment of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act. The...

Fashion

AAFA study: Fashion fakes not only hurt brands but are also dangerous to health

Counterfeit apparel, footwear and accessories present serious chemical and product safety hazards to consumers. This is the conclusion of a recent study titled “Unboxing Fake Fashion Unleashing Real Dangers”. It was released by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and supported by total assurance quality provider Intertek. As part...

People

Nate Herman named Executive Vice President of American Apparel & Footwear Association

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has promoted Nate Herman to Executive Vice President, the organization announced Monday. In his new role, Herman will work alongside AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar to guide the association’s membership initiatives and support the Board of Directors. Herman previously served as Senior Vice...

FashionPress Release

Footwear and apparel group gets jump start on celebrating 250 years of America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 2, 2025 – The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has joined America250.org, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the 250th commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as a Supporting Partner to amplify and celebrate America's heritage Today, AAFA represents more...

BusinessPress Release

Apparel and footwear industry responds to the suspension of the heightened tariffs on China

The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds following President Trump's executive order "Further Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Ongoing Discussions with The People's Republic of China," which extends the temporary reduction of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports from China maintaining the baseline rate of 30 percent for...

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Business

US trade organisations commend Trump’s comments on sneaker and T-shirt production

Leading US fashion and textile organisations have backed recent comments by president Donald Trump in which he suggested that his stringent tariff policies were “not focused on driving sneaker and T-shirt production to the US”. A joint letter – signed by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Council of Fashion Designers of America...

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Business

AAFA, FDRA and NRF welcome US-China tariff pause, call for long-term deal

US apparel and footwear trade associations have welcomed the US and China’s 90-day pause on heightened tariffs. Yet, while the temporary agreement has somewhat calmed the waters of the two regions’ trade war, organisations are still calling for a long-term deal that will mitigate rising costs and prices. This was reflected in a statement from...

BusinessPress Release

Apparel and footwear industry responds to U.S.-China de-escalation deal on tariffs

The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to today's Joint Statement on U.S.-China Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva, proclaiming a 90-day pause with U.S. tariffs reduced to 30 percent and China tariffs reduced to 10 percent beginning May 14. “The 90-day pause is welcome and may temporarily help unstick the effective trade embargo...

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AAFA expresses concern over ‘on-again, off-again’ tariff policy

Steve Lamar, the president and chief executive officer of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), has expressed concern over what he called an “on-again, off-again tariff policy” that he says “is forcing companies to careen between chaos and costs”. While Lamar and the organisation welcomed the current 90-day pause on certain tariffs...

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Business

Industry federations sound the alarm: “Tariffs will hurt, not help”

The U.S. government's decision to impose sweeping new tariffs on apparel and footwear imports has triggered a wave of alarm from industry associations, who argue forcefully that these measures will inflict significant economic damage far outweighing any potential benefits. The industry's opposition The American Apparel & Footwear Association...