The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), National Chamber of the Textile Industry (CANAINTEX), and Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) have urged former President Donald Trump to avoid imposing 25 percent tariffs on textile imports from Mexico and Canada and to close the de minimis tariff loophole immediately.

In a joint statement, the associations highlighted the importance of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which supports over 1.6 million jobs and generates $20 billion in two-way trade. The US textile industry exports $12.3 billion in textiles to Mexico and Canada, accounting for 53 percent of its total global exports. Mexico exports $9 billion in textiles and apparel to the US, while Canada exports $1.8 billion to the US and Mexico.

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas warned that penalty tariffs would hurt the US textile industry and benefit China. “We support President Trump’s efforts on illegal migration and the fentanyl crisis, but these tariffs would harm US manufacturers and Western Hemisphere supply chains,” she said.

The associations also called for an end to the de minimis exemption, which allows duty-free imports under $800. Glas argued that the loophole unfairly benefits China and facilitates illegal product flows, including fentanyl.

CANAINTEX President Rafael Zaga Saba criticized Asian trade practices, stating they have undermined North American industries. CTIA Chairman Jeff Ayoub emphasized the importance of maintaining the North American coproduction chain, urging Trump to reconsider the tariffs.

The groups pledged to work with the administration to highlight the negative impact of tariffs and de minimis exemptions on investment, jobs, and economic stability.