Industry News
AAFA Welcomes Progress on U.S. Trade Agreements with Key Central American Countries
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applauds the frameworks for reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala that incorporate key features vital to the U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear industry.
“We are grateful to President Trump and his trade negotiating teams for this bold step to support U.S. workers and communities whose lives and livelihoods are directly enabled by U.S.-Central American trade. These actions bolster key U.S. export markets in Central America, reduce costs for American consumers, and reinforce the competitiveness of integrated regional supply chains that rely on U.S. cotton and other textiles,” said Steve Lamar, AAFA president and CEO.
Under these frameworks, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on products that qualify for the U.S./Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR). These actions follow each country’s commitments to strengthen its trade partnerships with the United States. The removal of tariffs on these CAFTA-DR-qualifying products — items like textiles and apparel that are already subject to strict rules of origin — ensures that the U.S./Central American partnership can continue to support workers and communities across the United States.
“We urge these agreements to be finalized soon so that these gains can quickly take effect and encourage the United States to incorporate similar provisions in forthcoming agreements with our other CAFTA-DR partners,” added Beth Hughes, AAFA vice president of trade and customs policy.
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About the American Apparel & Footwear Association
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear, and other sewn products companies and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,100 world-famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology.
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