As we close the year with our final OFF THE CUFF Member Newsletter of 2016, we want to take a moment to thank our members and friends for your participation in our meetings and events, your engagement on the committees, and of course, your support of the association. It’s been a busy few weeks—the 28th annual conference, the surprise presidential election, USFIA’s move to Pennsylvania Avenue—so we want to take a moment to remember other important things that happened this year.
We began the year by celebrating the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and we end the year with questions about its future. Nonetheless, we remain focused on our advocacy work to eliminate barriers to trade, including the high tariffs on textiles and apparel. The year brought many opportunities to discuss the path forward for the industry, especially at USFIA’s Washington Trade Symposium, where companies got the chance to meet with congressional staff and learn about the importance of engaging in Washington, as well as DiplomacyXDesign, where the entire industry discussed the role of fashion in diplomacy. The third-annual Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study had record participation and insights to drive our advocacy work, while our educational programs allowed members to learn more about the government’s forced labor initiative, new opportunities in Myanmar, and even customs and trade developments in China and the European Union.
And while we’re based in D.C. to ensure our members have the latest news and information about U.S. trade policy, we’re also global, and brought members intelligence from the World Trade Organization in Geneva, the China & Asia Textile Forum in Shanghai, and a brand new sustainable sourcing show in Paris. We must also give special thanks to our partners, PwC, Amber Road, and GEODIS, whose expertise and global networks enabled our members to stay ahead of their challenges.
In addition to eliminating trade barriers, we also put more focus on sustainability and innovation. We look forward to officially launching our Social Compliance & Sustainability Committee in 2017, bringing together brands, retailers, service providers, and NGOs to discuss how to make a real impact. And we’re also continue to talk about the exciting new developments in the industry, from smart fabrics and garments, to how to incorporate new technologies into your supply chains. The future of fashion is now—and USFIA is ready.