AAFA Closely Monitoring Details of Reciprocal Tariff Review by the Trump Administration

February 13, 2025 | WASHINGTON, D.C. The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to President Donald Trump's review of all trading partners for tailored counter measures as opposed to immediate reciprocal tariffs around the globe.

"We appreciate the goal behind this new 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' is to lower foreign tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, and we pleased that President Trump has ordered a comprehensive review of such foreign policies," said AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar.

“We remain concerned, however, that this tariff-heavy approach continues to gamble with our economic prosperity and is based on incomplete thinking about the vital role ethical and fairly traded imports play in the prosperity. Putting America first means ensuring predictability for American businesses that create U.S. jobs; affordable options for American consumers who power our economy; opportunities for farmers who feed our families; and support for tens of millions of U.S. workers whose trade dependent jobs make our factories, our stores, our warehouses, and our offices function. Sweeping new tariffs — a possible outcome of this exercise — instead puts America last, raising costs for American manufacturers for critical inputs and materials, closing key markets for American farmers, and raising prices for hardworking American families.

"We look forward to participating in this review and working with the Administration and Congress — which has the Constitutional prerogative to set tariff policy — to share our perspectives to fashion an approach that truly advances U.S. economic interests."