WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 9, 2025 – The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to a 90-day pause and lowering of “reciprocal” tariffs, as well as additional tariffs placed on U.S. imports from China, announced by President Trump today.
Steve Lamar, President and CEO of AAFA, expressed concern over this minute-by-minute trade policy chaos:
“The on-again, off-again tariff policy is forcing companies to careen between chaos and costs. While we welcome this limited pause to give negotiators in the U.S. and dozens of trading partners a chance to hammer out sustainable outcomes, it is only a first step in a policy that needs to be more comprehensive, predictable, and durable if we want to encourage the kind of investments that will support more U.S. jobs.
“This policy continues to subject U.S. imports of our industry’s largest trading partner to an unsustainable tax. If left in place, this extreme tariff on U.S. imports from China, which is in addition to President Trump’s Section 301 tariffs, will lead to higher prices for everyday apparel, footwear, and accessories and higher costs for U.S. manufacturers who rely on materials and items they can only source from China.
“It is our hope that this limited pause can be extended to all countries so that U.S. companies, now caught in the crosshairs of a frenzied trade war, can focus their energies on encouraging the U.S. and its key trading partners to negotiate an end to both U.S. and foreign trade barriers. We further urge the Administration to work closely with Congress, and with all stakeholders, so that we can forge a more durable trade policy that is based on partnership of reciprocal trade, not fear of crushing tariffs.”
