The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) cautions that tariff policies under former President Donald Trump could drive up apparel costs if campaign proposals are fully enacted. These policies, particularly the Section 301 tariffs from 2018, have contributed to the highest inflation in decades for clothing and footwear, according to AAFA.

These tariffs, which US businesses and consumers ultimately pay, disproportionately impact lower-income Americans, particularly female consumers, as tariffs are higher on affordable clothing and women’s apparel.

AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar expressed concern over the effects of these tariffs and emphasized the need for immediate renewal of essential trade programs, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), and the Haiti Help/Hope preference program.

Lamar argued that a stable trade environment, bolstered by these programs, would support industry diversification, create jobs, and make fashion more affordable.

The AAFA also advocates for policies to protect shipping channels, curb counterfeit goods in e-commerce, and ensure effective, practical trade legislation. These measures, the organization hopes, will offer a balanced approach to sustaining the US apparel and footwear industry while providing affordable options to consumers.