AAFA defends Bangladesh at USITC hearing: Reports

This is as per media reports, which underlined the AFFA had held despite facing one of the highest tariff rates, Bangladesh is the third-largest apparel exporter to markets in the US because of its efforts to improve working conditions, end forced labour, stamp out counterfeits, and provide safe and high-quality products to the American consumers.

Beth Hughes, vice-president on Trade and Customs Policy at AFFA, in her testimony reportedly said these countries are competitive because they have created responsible, reliable, and skilled industries while adding they are important sourcing destinations for the US market.

The AFFA vice president on Trade and Customs Policy further reportedly held Bangladesh apparel industry had made considerable investments in due diligence activities in the private sector while adding Bangladesh has been lowering its carbon footprint to ensure the planet is preserved for future generations.

Earlier last week, Faruque Hassan, the president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in his testimony stated even if US apparel imports between 2013 and 2023 showed that America’s import from the world in terms of US dollar value declined by 0.25 per cent, on the contrary it increased by 3.95 per cent from Bangladesh, and this despite the local garment exporters having to face a 15.62 per cent duty on exports to the US.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)