The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) and the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) have opposed the tariff war between the EU and the US. They say imposing additional tariffs on travel goods, textiles and clothing products will adversely affect companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, add costs to supply chains and will be at the expense of manufacturing jobs and investments in innovation.

The US preliminary list of targeted products includes yarns (high tenacity aramids and polyester), home textiles (carpets, bed linen, blankets), some clothing items (dresses, sweater, suit, swimwear), and a travel goods item (handbags). The EU list includes raw cotton and cotton waste, as well as travel goods including those of textile materials.

The European Apparel and Textile Confederation’s main objective is to create an environment within the European Union which is conducive to the manufacture of textile and clothing products. Textile and apparel manufacturing is an essential pillar of the EU regions. Representing more than 1000 world famous name brands, the American Apparel & Footwear Association is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its four million US workers, and its contribution of 400 billion dollars in annual US retail sales.