Calling for tariff testimony: The deadline to submit a request to testify against the tranche 4 tariffs — the tariffs on the additional $300 billion in goods imported from China including apparel and footwear — is June 10. Hearings begin June 17. AAFA encourages all member companies to testify regarding the tariffs and how they would impact your business, jobs, and prices for U.S. consumers. We really can’t overstate the importance of member turnout in making the case against these tariffs. Reach out to Steve Lamar and Nate Herman for more on how to submit. They can provide further advice on how to structure your message and can help amplify your comments by connecting you with your Members of Congress.

AAFA is also coordinating with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to ensure that the administration hears testimony directly from designers. Finally, we encourage members to share your story with the press; reach out to AAFA's Alex Gibson for more on that opportunity. AAFA members can access a recording of our May 20 member-only webinar “The China Tariffs and What Comes Next” in the AAFA Learning Center (login required).

AAFA letters on mass firings in Bangladesh: On Friday, May 24, AAFA sent letters to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), raising concerns with mass firings, pending criminal charges against labor leaders, and the future of worker safety in the ready-made garment sector. The letters urge withdrawal of criminal complaints against labor leaders and reinstatement of more than 1,000 workers fired following labor protests over the minimum wage earlier this year. For questions, contact AAFA’s Nate Herman.

AAFA meets with CPSC Commissioners: On May 22, AAFA team members — joined by AAFA Chairman Gary Simmons and Vice Chair Colin Browne — visited with Commissioners Adler and Baiocco at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Gary and Colin brought their industry experience and insight to the Commissioners to give specific examples of priorities for the apparel and footwear industry, a key community regulated by the CPSC. The Commissioners were gracious in hearing our concerns and strategized how to work together in the future. 

AAFA team members, Board leadership, and interns with CPSC Commissioner Dana Baiocco and
Chief Policy Advisor Dottie Yahr on May 22.

Product Safety next week in NYC: On June 6, AAFA will host our East Coast Product Safety & Compliance Seminar at FIT in New York. CPSC Commissioner Peter Feldman will keynote and investigators from CPSC’s Office of Import Surveillance will provide a show-and-tell in a special Safety at the Ports session. It’s not too late to register! Access the agenda and register here.

See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.