US workers add substantially to apparel imports –Study

“The outdoor industry produces some of the innovative apparel products in the world and supports more than six million American jobs. This study confirms what our recreation economy research indicates — that the overwhelming majority of outdoor apparel products’ value is found here in the United States and benefits American businesses, communities and families.”

Julia K. Hughes, President, United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel

“Our members, the leading American brands and retailers, rely on imports to offer the best quality products at the right price to American consumers. As the study shows, these imports not only enable consumers to afford high-quality apparel products, but also create high-quality jobs in the United States.”

Sandy Kennedy, President, Retail Industry Leaders Association

“Using sound data, the report demonstrates what American retailers have long known to be true—apparel imports are responsible for millions of quality white-collar and blue-collar U.S. jobs across the economic spectrum. The isolationist perspective that is the underpinning of U.S. apparel trade policy is outdated and counterproductive. To be successful, U.S. trade policy should bolster, not inhibit, global value chains and the American jobs they create.”

Matt Shay, President & CEO, National Retail Federation

“This study shatters several widespread myths about imports and trade. Labels identifying clothing or any other product as made outside the U.S. are largely meaningless. Regardless of where the factory might be located, these products support a huge number of good blue-collar and white-collar American jobs in retail and many other industries, and they allow U.S. companies to be competitive in the global marketplace.”

About the TPP Apparel Coalition

The TPP Apparel Coalition supports the negotiation of a 21st Century TPP agreement that generates new trade and investment opportunities for the benefit of workers, businesses, and families. These opportunities include buying and selling goods and services, sustaining and growing well-paying U.S jobs, and providing high added value for the U.S. and TPP economies.

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