The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has responded to the Joint Statement issued in Geneva on the US-China Economic and Trade Meeting, which announced a 90-day pause in tariff escalations. Effective May 14, US tariffs on Chinese imports will be reduced to 30 percent, while China will lower its tariffs to 10 percent.
AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar welcomed the move, calling it a temporary relief from the trade gridlock that has persisted since April 9. However, he warned that the remaining 30 percent tariff added to existing Section 301 and most favored nation (MFN) duties still poses a significant burden on US consumers, especially during back-to-school and holiday seasons.
“If freight costs rise due to lingering disruptions in shipping, we may see further inflation in consumer prices,” Lamar stated. He emphasized that a long-term trade agreement is essential not just with China, but globally to enable predictable investment, sourcing, and manufacturing decisions.
The announcement follows weeks of AAFA-led advocacy, highlighting that the current tariff framework does not strengthen domestic manufacturing nor support the 3.5 million American workers employed in the apparel and footwear industry.
