The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has responded to President Donald Trump’s decision to review all trading partners for potential countermeasures rather than imposing immediate reciprocal tariffs.
AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar acknowledged the administration’s goal of reducing foreign trade barriers but cautioned against a tariff-heavy strategy. “We appreciate the effort to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers and welcome a comprehensive review of foreign policies,” he said.
However, Lamar warned that this approach risks economic prosperity by overlooking the crucial role of ethical and fairly traded imports. “Putting America first means ensuring stability for businesses, affordability for consumers, opportunities for farmers, and support for millions of trade-dependent US jobs,” he stated. He argued that sweeping tariffs could raise costs for manufacturers, restrict export markets for farmers, and increase consumer prices.
AAFA emphasized the importance of predictability in trade policy and urged collaboration with Congress, which holds constitutional authority over tariffs. “We look forward to contributing to this review and working with the administration to develop a strategy that truly benefits the US economy,” Lamar concluded.
