FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 10, 2024 – The following statement is on behalf of the United States Fashion Industry Association in response to today’s initiation of a Section 301 Investigation into Nicaragua.
Today the Biden Administration announced they are launching the first 301 investigation to target violations of human rights, labor rights, and the rule of law. There is no excuse for these violations by U.S. trading partners. As the investigation proceeds, we encourage the Biden Administration and the incoming Trump Administration to carefully consider the appropriate punishment for Nicaragua.
Nicaragua plays an important role in the Western Hemisphere textile and apparel supply chain. As we look ahead to possible penalties, we support the calls for the penalties to focus on those directly responsible for the abuses. This is an unusual 301 investigation since Nicaragua is a free trade agreement partner. As a CAFTA partner and a critical element in the expanding sourcing opportunities in the Western Hemisphere, we hope that the 301 case will not destabilize the integration of U.S. and CAFTA textile and apparel manufacturers and U.S. brands and retailers.
We look forward to participating in the 301 public comment process.
USFIA Media Contact:
Stephanie Gauzens
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About the United States Fashion Industry Association
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) is dedicated to fashion made possible by global trade. USFIA represents textile and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally; working to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede the industry’s ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad with the goal of doing what we can to make the world a better place for our customers, our colleagues, and our suppliers.