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Fashion made possible by global trade

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Fashion made possible by global trade

Global Trade

USFIA Joins European Fashion Industry in TTIP Position Paper

On October 19, 2015, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined a position paper led by the European Branded Clothing Alliance (EBCA) on how to harmonize rules and regulations in the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement. The paper was sent to the negotiators for the 11th round of TTIP negotiations taking place in Miami, Florida. The paper is available here.
USFIA Joins GSP Coalition Letter

On November 17^th, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined more than 600 companies and associations in sending a letter to congressional leaders urging them to renew the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) before the end of the year. The letter noted that the current expiration is the longest in the GSP program’s 40-year history and that, if the program is still not renewed by 2015, it will cost American companies more than $1 billion. The letter is available on the Coalition for the GSP website.
USFIA Joins International Industry Statement on TPP

On November 7^th, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined industry groups from six Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries in a joint statement expressing “strong support for a conclusion of a 21^st century TPP agreement that will generate trade and investment between our countries” as well as “more commercially meaningful market access and flexibilities in the rules for the apparel industry that recognize the importance of global value chains to the competitiveness of the apparel supply chain.” The full statement is available here.
USFIA Joins Joint Industry Letter to NAFTA Negotiators

In advance of the sixth round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations, the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined other fashion and retail associations in the United States and Canada in sending a letter to the U.S., Mexican, and Canadian negotiators. The letter calls on negotiators to maintain existing flexibilities, including TPLs, and include provisions to expand trade. The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter on New MTB Process

On July 14, 2015, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined a multi-industry letter to Congressional leadership to applaud the inclusion of the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2015 in the Trade Facilitation & Trade Enforcement Act, or the Customs legislation. This Act would establish a new Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) process, which would be a more “transparent, objective, predictable, and regularized process for Congress to consider and enact MTBs.” The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter Opposing TPA Amendment on TPP

On May 22, 2015, during the ongoing negotiations about Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) amendments, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined a letter organized by the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT) opposing Senate Amendment No. 1251 (SA 1251) to the bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities & Accountability Act of 2015, or TPA. This amendment would create special rules for China to make it more difficult for China to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). However, the TPA legislation already provides a mechanism for Congress to approve new TPP partners so the amendment is unnecessary and would "undermine the ability of the U.S. government to reach the aim of TPP to open markets in the Asian region and promote economic growth and job creation in the United States." The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter Opposing TPA Amendment on TPP

On May 22, 2015, during the ongoing negotiations about Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) amendments, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined a letter organized by the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT) opposing Senate Amendment No. 1251 (SA 1251) to the bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities & Accountability Act of 2015, or TPA. This amendment would create special rules for China to make it more difficult for China to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). However, the TPA legislation already provides a mechanism for Congress to approve new TPP partners so the amendment is unnecessary and would "undermine the ability of the U.S. government to reach the aim of TPP to open markets in the Asian region and promote economic growth and job creation in the United States." The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter to Obama on GSP for Travel Goods

On August 4, 2016, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined an industry letter to President Obama requesting approval of duty-free access for all 28 eligible travel goods categories under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for all GSP-eligible countries by October 1st. The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter to Senate Urging Passage of House Version of TPA

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined the Trade Benefits America Coalition letter to the Senate urging them to support the bill passed by the House on June 18th. The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter to Trump on GSP for Travel Goods

On March 20, 2017, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined a coalition letter to President Trump to designate all travel goods produced in qualified countries eligible for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits. “It was the articulated bipartisan will of Congress to designate all travel goods products duty-free when imported from all GSP countries. The situation and facts have been thoroughly vetted by Congress, the U.S. International Trade Commission, and the interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC). The conclusion was unanimous: GSP benefits should apply to all eligible countries for all travel goods in question. This would spur real relocation of U.S. sourcing from China, which is not eligible for the GSP. It would also give the U.S. more enforcement leverage over the GSP countries’ trade policies and actions, which is a key aspect of the GSP program,” the letter states. The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Letter Urging Congress to Pass Bipartisan TPA

On November 12^th, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined the Trade Benefits America coalition letter urging Congress to pass bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation this year. The letter was sent to Speaker of the House John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and signed by more than 150 companies, business groups, and trade associations. The letter also ran as an advertisement in The Hill and Roll Call today. The letter is available on the coalition website.
USFIA Joins Letter Urging GSP for Travel Goods

On October 14, 2015, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) and 22 other associations sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to “express strong support for petitions to add travel goods—items like luggage, backpacks, purses, and wallets—to the list of products eligible to be imported duty free from all Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) beneficiary countries.” The letter notes that some of these products, such as computer and smartphone cases, are now considered “non-sensitive” under the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation passed earlier this year. This would also lower prices for everyday consumer goods like purses and children’s backpacks.
USFIA Joins Multi-Association Letter on GSP for Travel Goods

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined other industry groups in sending a letter expressing strong support for adding all eligible travel goods, handbags, backpacks, and luggage to the eligibility list for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). “There is virtually no production of these items in the United States and, as such, there will be no domestic industry that will be negatively affected by the proposed designation. On the other hand, U.S. brands, private label designers, made-to-order producers, as well as the U.S. workers they employ and the consumers they serve, stand to benefit greatly from lower duty costs under the GSP,” the letter states.
USFIA Joins Multi-Industry Comments on 301 Tariffs

In advance of next week’s hearing, United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) has joined two multi-industry comments filed with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. One led by a group of soft-goods industry trade associations expresses “very strong opposition to any tariff increases on U.S. imports of consumer products, such as clothing, shoes, home goods, fashion accessories, or travel goods from China.” Another includes dozens of apparel, retail, agriculture, electronics, automobile, tech, and other industries who say the tariffs “will not effectively advance our shared goal of changing these harmful Chinese practices in a durable, verifiable, and enforceable manner.” USFIA will be filing our own comments today, which we’ll share with members next week.
USFIA Joins NAFTA Partners in Letter to Negotiators

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined industry organizations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in sending a letter to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) trade negotiators to reiterate support for Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) and express concern over “onerous chapter notes” regarding pocketing, elastics strips, or sewing thread in the rule of origin. The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Soft Goods Industry Letter to Trump on 301 Tariffs

The U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined several soft-goods industry groups in sending a letter to President Trump opposing “tariff increases on U.S. imports of consumer products, such as clothing, shoes, home goods, fashion accessories, or travel goods from China.” The letter is available here. According to multiple reports, President Trump is expected to impose up to $60 billion in new tariffs on products from China on Friday; some sources say there may be a public comment period, but it’s not entirely clear. The steel and aluminum tariffs are set to go into effect on March 23, just 15 days after President Donald Trump signed the proclamations, without such a comment period.
USFIA Joins TPP Apparel Coalition Letter to Froman
On July 21, 2015, TPP Apparel Coalition, which includes the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman with the apparel industry’s priorities in advance of the talks in Maui next week. The letter asks for the inclusion of elements in CAFTA:
- Immediate duty-free treatment for at least 75 percent of current trade based on the way that garments are currently made.
- Minimum 50 percent duty cut for sensitive products.
- Single transformation rules for important categories.
- Flexibility to revisit the short supply list in the future to ensure market access as conditions evolve.
- Enforcement measures that recognize the importance of Trusted Trader programs and sophisticated targeting techniques instead of relying on piles of paperwork and inefficient systems.
The letter is available here.
USFIA Joins Trade Benefits America Coalition

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) has officially joined the Trade Benefits America Coalition (www.tradebenefitsamerica.org) to advocate for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The coalition’s mission is to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of trade and U.S. trade agreements, and educate on and advocate for updated TPA as an important tool for pursuing pending and future negotiations to provide further opportunities for U.S. economic growth and job creation. The coalition’s members include a wide range of associations and companies that are dedicated to the pursuit of U.S. international trade agreements that benefit American businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers. The Coalition believes that passage of updated Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation is important to help ensure America continues to benefit from trade.
USFIA Joins with EBCA & AAFA on TTIP Position Paper
On October 1, 2014, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined with the European Branded Clothing Alliance (EBCA) and the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) in releasing a joint statement spelling out our priorities for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. USFIA and AAFA also appeared at the Stakeholder Event during the 7th round of TTIP negotiations in Washington, D.C., the same day.

We endorse six key priorities for TTIP. They are:
- Mechanisms to facilitate regulatory convergence or mutual recognition of regulations and standards across the Atlantic
- Full, immediate, and reciprocal elimination of tariffs
- Flexible Rules of Origin
- Harmonisation of regulations on labelling, requirements on product safety, and test methods
- Facilitative Customs Provisions
- Establishment of a harmonised list of prohibited substances
The statement is available here.
USFIA Marks World Trade Month with Op-Ed Supporting Imports

May is World Trade Month. As part of the dialogue about the importance of trade, USFIA joined with other retail and apparel associations to publish an op-ed in support of the benefits of imports. USFIA members already know that imports create great jobs and help the economy--but, sometimes, Washington policymakers need a reminder. The op-ed was published in The Hill.

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About

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) is dedicated to fashion made possible by global trade.

USFIA represents brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989, USFIA works to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the fashion industry’s ability to trade freely and create jobs in the United States.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, USFIA is the voice of the fashion industry in front of the U.S. government as well as international governments and stakeholders. With constant, two-way communication, USFIA staff and counsel serve as the eyes and ears of our members in Washington and around the world, enabling them to stay ahead of the regulatory challenges of today and tomorrow. Through our publications, educational events, and networking opportunities, USFIA also connects with key stakeholders across the value chain including U.S. and international service providers, suppliers, and industry groups.

Learn More About USFIA

Learn About the Fashion Industry

Attend Our Events

News

Greer Meets with Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy

Information
25 April 2025
USTR

Fashion Intel & Analysis
FR Notice Available for De Minimis Implementation

Information
25 April 2025
CBP

Fashion Intel & Analysis
Senate Finance Committee Schedules Hearing for CBP Commissioner Nominee

Information
24 April 2025
Congress

Fashion Intel & Analysis
Twelve States File New Lawsuit Against IEEPA Tariffs

Information
24 April 2025
Tariffs, Litigation

Fashion Intel & Analysis
CIT Denies Short-Term TRO for IEEPA Tariffs

Information
24 April 2025
Tariffs, Litigation

Fashion Intel & Analysis

TRACKING TRUMP'S TARIFFS

USFIA has created a new web page to track tariff actions from the Trump Administration, featuring an interactive table with the latest information. Below are some high-level stats from this data.

Average new tariff rate imposed by Trump Administration

New tariffs range from 10% to 25% with little regard to existing tariffs or FTA partners. This number will change after the April 9 reciprocal tariffs take effect.

Total number of new tariff actions this year

Tariff actions taken so far in 2025 impact every single country; including those with no trade to the U.S. and trusted trading partners.

Estimated tariff increase on apparel imports

From research by Dr. Sheng Lu. If the value of US textile and apparel imports in 2025 remains unchanged from 2024, the reciprocal tariff would result in nearly $35 billion in total tariff duties on these products—an increase of $19.9 billion compared to the current tariff levels.

See More Tariff Data

Events

Washington Trade Symposium

Washington, DC
REGISTER NOW

July 16, 2025

Annual Conference

Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference

New York, New York
SAVE THE DATE

November 5, 2025

Reports

2025 Sourcing Trends & Outlook Report

USFIA's 2025 Sourcing Trends & Outlook Report is out. Members can log-in to the website to download it here.

The top 5 sourcing trends in the 2025 report are:

Asian apparel suppliers continue to dominate sourcing.
China maintains its role as the top supplier.
Higher costs are easing with lower average unit values.
New suppliers highlight apparel sourcing opportunities.
Despite high duty rates, FTAs and preference programs remain underutilized. CAFTA remains the major duty-free supplier.

The sourcing report includes a special section with global trade data prepared by Dr. Sheng Lu, professor in the Fashion and Apparel Studies Department at the University of Delaware. Dr. Lu highlights the high cost of tariffs over the last 14 years, with U.S. fashion companies paying $11.9 billion in tariffs on apparel imports in 2024.

Top U.S. Apparel Suppliers in 2024 by Quantity

When it comes to apparel, Asian suppliers continue to dominate the U.S. market. The top seven suppliers continue to ship more than 70% of total apparel imports. Again this year the three largest apparel suppliers represent just over 60% of apparel imports.

2025-sourcing-report-top-apparel-suppliers-quantity.jpeg

Top U.S. Apparel Suppliers in 2024 by Value

By value, China is the top supplier of U.S. apparel imports, but China no longer dominates the import data. There are 18 suppliers that ship 1% or more of apparel imports by value, with several suppliers who make the list thanks to shipping higher value apparel to the U.S.

2025 Sourcing Report trend: FTAs and Preference Programs Remain Underutilized

With duties on apparel as high as 32%, there are many reasons to take a fresh look at the apparel and textile manufacturers eligible for preference programs and free trade agreements. The value of U.S. apparel imports that qualify for duty-free access during 2024 increased slightly from one year ago.

2024 USFIA Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study

This is the eleventh USFIA Benchmarking Survey and again fashion industry sourcing executives face a litany of challenges. Concern over the economy and inflation, as well as eliminating forced labor, continue to be top concerns in the U.S. fashion industry. This year's respondenents also report an elevated level of concern about the impact of shipping and supply chain disruptions as well as geopolitical tensions.

New for this year is a sharp increase in sourcing executives who are concerned about the protectionist trade policy agenda in the United States, with 45% ranking it a top-5 business challenge, compared with just 15% last year.

Download the complete study here, and see the highlights below: