By Brian Dabbs

Lawmawers may, in fact, introduce a TPA measure by late January or early February, said Julia Hughes, president of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association. “Right now is the window where we’re hearing from a lot of folks that they want to move this quickly,” she said. “I’m expecting the president will talk about Trade Promotion Authority and push for it in the State of the Union, and then we’ll be off and running.”

Click here to read the entire article on the International Trade Today website.

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Washington, D.C. – The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) applauds the bipartisan in the House for the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities & Accountability Act of 2015, which will renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).

"On behalf of our members, we thank every House member who voted for TPA. We appreciate the House and Senate leadership for working together over the past several months to develop this legislation that will create high-standard, 21st-century trade policy and will support the fashion and business communities," said USFIA President Julia K. Hughes

“We are disappointed, however, that the failure to pass Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) legislation prevents the full trade legislation package from immediately going to the President so it can be signed into law. We encourage Members of the House of Representatives to work together to reach an agreement that will enact TPA into law," she concluded.

About the United States Fashion Industry Association

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) represents the fashion industry: textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.usfashionindustry.com.

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U.S. Fashion Industry Applauds Introduction of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)

Washington, D.C. -The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) today applauded the introduction of bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. 

“Trade Promotion Authority is essential for the conclusion of high-standard, 21^st-century trade agreements,” says Julia K. Hughes, President of USFIA. “The fashion industry applauds the introduction of TPA and urges Congress to pass the legislation as soon as possible so we can see the swift conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other key trade negotiations.” 

The passage of TPA will allow the Obama Administration to conclude the TPP, a potentially groundbreaking agreement for fashion brands and retailers doing business in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as create ambitious trade policy for the future, such as the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP), a historic trade negotiation with Europe. 

TPP and TTIP are especially important for the U.S. fashion industry, which includes textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. 

“Our members not only import products from around the world, but also sell American fashion design around the world, too,” explains Hughes. “By opening new markets in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, these brands and retailers will have new opportunities to create high-quality jobs at home and expand abroad.” 

“We’re glad Congress and the Obama Administration are focusing on trade,” concluded Hughes. “The passage of TPA, the conclusion of TPP and TTIP, and the renewal of important initiatives like the African Growth & Opportunity Act, the Nicaragua Tariff Preference Level, and the Generalized System of Preferences will help American businesses and consumers as well as boost jobs and the economy in the United States.” 

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) is a member of the Trade Benefits America Coalition, a broad-based group of more than 250 leading U.S. business and agricultural associations and companies. For more information on the coalition, visit www.tradebenefitsamerica.org. 

About the United States Fashion Industry Association

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) represents the fashion industry: textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.usfashionindustry.com.

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CONTACT: Samantha Sault, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

U.S. Fashion Industry Applauds Passage of TPA by Senate

Washington, D.C. -The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) applauds the Senate’s passage of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, which would renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).“The fashion industry is grateful to the U.S. Senate for passing Trade Promotion Authority before the Memorial Day Recess,” says Julia K. Hughes, President of USFIA. “We urge the House to quickly follow suit upon their return so the Obama Administration can continue its work to create high-standard, 21^st-century trade policy.”

“The passage of TPA will pave the way for the Obama Administration to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership and continue to work on the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership,” adds Hughes.

“Fashion brands, retailers, and importers in the United States are global businesses,” she noted. “They not only import products utilizing complex, global supply chains, but also increasingly sell their products all over the world, too. This globalization leads to high-quality jobs in areas like design, sourcing, compliance, logistics, shipping, marketing, and retail in the United States. It’s important that America’s trade policy reflects the way American companies are doing business around the world.”

“Finally, we’d also like to thank the Senate for passing the trade preferences legislation, including renewal of the African Growth & Opportunity Act, the Generalized System of Preferences, and the Haiti trade preferences,” Hughes concluded. “These programs are utilized by many fashion and lifestyle brands and retailers, and we urge the House to pass them, too.”

About the United States Fashion Industry Association

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) represents the fashion industry: textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.usfashionindustry.com.

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CONTACT: Samantha Sault, 301-685-5009 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) applauds the bipartisan passage in the U.S. Senate of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. 

“On behalf of our members, we thank every Senate member who voted for TPA. We appreciate the House and Senate leadership working together over the past several months to finally pass this critical legislation,” said USFIA President Julia K. Hughes. 

“TPA is necessary to conclude important agreements for our industry like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP),” continued Hughes. 

“We are eager for President Obama to sign TPA into law so the Administration and all stakeholders can continue to work on creating high-standard, 21st-century trade policy that will help U.S.-based brands and retailers continue to innovate and create high-quality jobs at home,” she concluded. 

About the United States Fashion Industry Association 

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) represents the fashion industry: textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.usfashionindustry.com. 

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January 9, 2014           

CONTACT: Samantha Sault, 202-419-0474 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                                                                      

United States Fashion Industry Association Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan TPA Legislation, Urges Swift Passage

Washington, D.C. – The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) applauds the introduction of bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation by U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and U.S. Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) today.

"Trade Promotion Authority is essential for the conclusion of successful, high-standard, 21st-century trade agreements," says Julia K. Hughes, President of the United States Fashion Industry Association. "The United States Fashion Industry Association applauds the introduction of TPA and urges Congress to swiftly pass the legislation so the Administration can conclude the important trade negotiations on the agenda, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP)." 

These trade agreements are especially important for the U.S. fashion industry, which includes textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally.

"The fashion industry relies on new markets for both imports and exports of inputs and finished products," adds Hughes. "TPA will allow these markets to be open for U.S. fashion businesses even sooner, and grow the economy and jobs in industries across the United States."

The United States Fashion Industry Association is also a member of the Trade Benefits America Coalition, a broad-based group of more than 160 leading U.S. business and agricultural associations and companies. For more information on the coalition, visit www.tradebenefitsamerica.org. 

About the United States Fashion Industry Association

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) represents the fashion industry: textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., USFIA is the most respected voice for 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.

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) applauded the bipartisan support in the House for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), but urged lawmakers to find agreement on Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). The statement is available on our website.

On April 16, 2015, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) applauded the introduction of bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. 

“Trade Promotion Authority is essential for the conclusion of high-standard, 21^st-century trade agreements,” says Julia K. Hughes, President of USFIA. “The fashion industry applauds the introduction of TPA and urges Congress to pass the legislation as soon as possible so we can see the swift conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other key trade negotiations.” 

The full statement is available here.

On January 14, 2014, the United States Fashion Industry Association joined the Trade Benefits America Coalition letter to Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and House Ways & Means Committee Chair Dave Camp (R-MI) thanking them for their work in introducing bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation and urging quick movement. The full letter is available here.

On January 14, 2015, the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined the Trade Benefits America Coalition letter to the House and Senate Leadership urging passage of bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation early this year. “TPA is particularly important now, given ongoing efforts to close the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and the Administration’s goal of then seeking its Congressional approval this year. TPA is also critical to advancing the broader U.S. trade agenda, including the ongoing talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the Trade in Services Agreement, and an agreement to eliminate tariffs on environmental goods. These initiatives hold tremendous potential to open new markets for U.S. companies, farmers and workers and support growth and jobs. With 95 percent of potential customers outside the United States and more than one in five American jobs supported by trade, we need to seize the opportunities they present,” the letter states. The letter is available here. 

On April 21, 2015, the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) joined the Trade Benefits America coalition letters in support of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The letters were sent to the leadership of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee in advance of the markup of TPA and other trade bills.

The Senate letter is available here. 

The House letter is available here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On January 9, 2014, the United States Fashion Industry Association released a statement applauding the introduction of the legislation and urging swift passage: 

“Trade Promotion Authority is essential for the conclusion of successful, high-standard, 21st-century trade agreements,” says Julia K. Hughes, President of the United States Fashion Industry Association. "The United States Fashion Industry Association applauds the introduction of TPA and urges Congress to swiftly pass the legislation so the Administration can conclude the important trade negotiations on the agenda, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP).” 

These trade agreements are especially important for the U.S. fashion industry, which includes textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally. 

“The fashion industry relies on new markets for both imports and exports of inputs and finished products," adds Hughes. "TPA will allow these markets to be open for U.S. fashion businesses even sooner, and grow the economy and jobs in industries across the United States.” 

The Trade Benefits America coalition, comprised of over 160 U.S. business and agricultural organizations, also applauded the introduction. USFIA is a member of the coalition. For more information on TPA, visit www.tradebenefitsamerica.org. 

By Kristi Ellis

Julia Hughes, president at the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, said the House passage of TPA was a positive step in the right direction.

“We recognize it’s a complicated path forward and we will be working hard with Senate leadership and members in the Senate to ensure that we have a positive outcome in the Senate, as well,” Hughes said. “There is still some procedural maneuvering and figuring out how the process will move forward. It isn’t clear. But obviously we’re very engaged and we’re working hard to ensure that TPA is approved by Congress.”

Click here to read the entire article on the WWD website.

By Kristi Ellis

Julia Hughes, president of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, agreed that renewal of AGOA “will be a huge boost for sourcing with Africa,” and noted the importance of extension of benefits to Haiti.

Click here to read the entire article on the WWD website.

By Kristi Ellis

Julia Hughes, president of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, said it was encouraging “how quickly the Senate moved to approve the preference bill, extend AGOA, GSP and the Haiti benefits and how quickly they moved on the Customs bill so that now we finally can begin a substantive discussion about Trade Promotion Authority.”

Click here to read the entire article on the WWD website.

By Kristi Ellis

Julia Hughes, president at the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, said: “In our recent benchmarking survey of 30 companies, respondents said they currently source from five TPP members, and 72 percent expect to source more textiles and apparel from TPP partners after the agreement is implemented.”

“Obviously, companies doing business in the TPP countries could benefit immensely from reduced or eliminated barriers to trade and greater market access,” Hughes said. “TPA is critical to developing 21st-century trade policy for brands and retailers to innovate and create jobs for years to come.”

 David Spooner, a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP [and USFIA Washington Counsel], who was the chief textile and apparel negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 2002 to 2006., said TPA is “key to getting TPP done.”

Click here to read the entire article on the WWD website.