Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has criticized punitive US tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU). Canada, the EU and Mexico are the three largest markets for exports of ‘Made in USA’ apparel. The first two are the top two markets for ‘Made in USA’ footwear.

“To make this move against our closest allies, especially during the renegotiation of NAFTA, creates more difficulty and chaos for the business community. Let's be clear, Made in USA apparel and footwear will suffer as a direct result of this action by the Trump administration,” said Helfenbein in a statement.

The move will result in inflationary costs, with risks of retaliation by trading partners of the United States, and will be detrimental for US companies and workers, feels AAFA. In particular, the EU has already indicated that it will impose tariffs on US-made blue jeans, T-shirts and footwear. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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