Washington, D.C. – On May 18, 2015, seven fashion and retail trade organizations in the United States and Africa, including the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), called for immediate renewal of the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2015.
The organizations also called for long-term renewal of the program for at least 10 years—including the third-country fabric provision—and extension of the third-country fabric provision to all AGOA beneficiaries. The statement is available online.
“AGOA not only allows U.S. companies to produce quality, affordable apparel for their customers, but also provides much-needed jobs and economic opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa,” says Julia K. Hughes, President of USFIA.
“However, those opportunities are at stake as the expiration date looms,” she adds. “Our members have told us that they want to continue sourcing from the AGOA region, and even place more orders. But without duty-free treatment, sourcing apparel from the region is cost-prohibitive. Since companies plan their sourcing at least 6-12 months in advance, many companies are planning their final orders from the AGOA region, or have already left, because they cannot afford the cost increase that would result if AGOA is not renewed in time.”
“We are grateful that the U.S. Senate approved AGOA, and we hope the U.S. House will quickly follow suit so companies can continue to place orders in the region and make plans for future investment over the next 10 years,” Hughes concluded.
In addition to USFIA, the signatories of the statement include the African Cotton and Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF), the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), and the Retail Industry Leaders of America (RILA).
For more information, contact Samantha Sault, USFIA Vice President of Communications, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 202-419-0474.
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.
