American Apparel & Footwear Association news and archive

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...

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AAFA urges Trump administration to add non-cumulative clause for Chinese tariffs

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has issued a response to President Trump’s executive order extending temporary tariff relief on Chinese imports for another 90 days. The order, titled “Further Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Ongoing Discussions with The People’s Republic of China,” was issued on August 11 and cites...

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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Trump doesn't see a need to bring back textile manufacturing to the US

President Donald Trump has stressed that his US tariff policies, impacting global trade and supply chains across several industries and financial markets, are intended to encourage and support domestic manufacturing of advanced technology and defense equipment, not consumer goods like t-shirts or sneakers. Talking with reporters prior to...

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Tariffs undermine economic stability for american companies and consumers

The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to 25 percent additional tariffs on virtually all U.S. imports from Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariff on all U.S. imports from China (on top of existing extra tariffs). "These new tariffs are compounding rapidly. Amid other hints at hitting hard on the EU and other allies as well, each...

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AAFA updates restricted substance list, further enhancing safety standards

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has published the 25th edition of its Restricted Substance List (RSL), a publicly available resource for both members of the public as well as the wider industry. Serving as a comprehensive reference, the RSL outlines all banned and restricted chemicals in finished apparel, footwear, accessories, and...

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AAFA and FLA urge interim Bangladesh government to improve worker rights

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) together with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) have issued a joint letter to Bangladesh’s interim government calling on the improvement of worker rights for the country’s garment, footwear and travel goods industries. In a letter to Mohammad Yunus, chief advisor for the interim government of...

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AAFA announces Board of Directors leadership and election results for 2022-2023

The American Apparel & Footwear Association announced the renewal of its Board of Directors leadership, and the addition of eight new, appointed, and re-elected Board members. The following individuals were confirmed as AAFA’s Board of Directors leadership for the 2022-2023 term: • Sarah Clarke, PVH Corp. – Chair • Ted Dagnese, Lululemon – Vice...

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AAFA cites causes for 40-year inflation spike and fashion sticker shock

American Apparel & Footwear Association President and CEO Steve Lamar reacted to reports today that prices in America rose 6.8 percent in the 12 months ending in November – the largest rise in nearly 40 years. Prices for clothing and footwear rose 5 percent and 4.7 percent during this time. “These price increases for apparel and footwear are...

Fashion Partner Content

AAFA flags extensive counterfeit concerns on social media in notorious markets submission

AAFA submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative recommending platforms and marketplaces – including Facebook and Instagram – for Notorious Market designations. The American Apparel & Footwear Association cited significant increases in the availability of counterfeit products via social media in its submission for...

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Industry implores Administration to provide longer-lasting tariff exemptions on essential PPE

The American Apparel & Footwear Association responded to this afternoon’s announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative will adopt an interim extension of exclusions on Section 301 tariffs on U.S. imports of “certain medical-care products.” Many types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, have been set to expire on Sept....