AAFA Statement on Trade Promotion Authority

ARLINGTON, Va., April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following an announcement today that a bipartisan Congressional bill on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) was introduced, Juanita D. Duggan, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, released the following statement calling the announcement welcome news:   

"In a global economy where 95 percent of our customers live outside the U.S., access to markets and materials is critical to the health of U.S. clothing and shoe companies. The apparel and footwear industry, which supports four million trade-dependent U.S. jobs and contributes $361 billion to the economy in retail sales, has long been supporters of eliminating trade barriers so that our products and inputs can easily move across borders.

"Today's news that a bipartisan bill on Trade Promotion Authority was introduced, is a very welcome development. Congressional approval of TPA will be an important precursor toward completion of the pending trade deals with Europe and the Pacific Rim.  Equally important, Congressional consideration of TPA paves the way for renewing expired and expiring trade measures such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).  We hope Congress approves these and other measures, which are vital for our members in reducing costs, promoting investment, and supporting trade-based jobs, both in the United States and abroad. 

"We thank Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) for their leadership on the issue. We urge both chambers to pass this important legislation expeditiously."

At the start of the year, AAFA sent letters concerning its trade priorities to Chairman Ryan and Chairman Hatch and to President Obama.

About AAFA
Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $361 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. 

AAFA stands at the forefront as a leader of positive change for the apparel and footwear industry. With integrity and purpose, AAFA delivers a unified voice on key legislative and regulatory issues. AAFA enables a collaborative forum to promote best practices and innovation. AAFA's comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers.

CONTACT: Catherine Michael, 703-797-9034, [email protected]

SOURCE American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)