On August 30, 2016, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) and the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner about the Olympics, and how Team USA’s big wins emphasize how the United States is a winner in the pool, on the mats, on the courts, and around the track—but not on trade:
During the Olympics, we are often reminded of the innovation that drives our industries — for example, the Nike Flyknit debut during the 2012 London games, the use of 3D printing to engineer better running shoes for Rio, lighter cleats, more breathable fabrics for soccer and basketball uniforms and sunglasses designed to reduce the effects of wind.
Yet this clothing and footwear comes at a high price. While the U.S. government taxes all products that cross the U.S. border at just 1.4 percent on average, it places import taxes averaging 11 percent on footwear and 13 percent on apparel.
This limits the ability of American companies to innovate and drives up the cost of shoes and clothes for hardworking individuals and families.
