“President Trump, stop it: customs duties imposed on Chinese goods are ridiculous”. 22 top fashion and retail US brands signed a letter/appeal, sent to the White House, to ask Donald Trump to stop immediately his commercial war against China. Levis, Macy’s and Walmart, together with American Eagle, Gap and J.C. Penney, stand out amongst such major companies. As reported by international press, allegedly President Trump is thinking of availing himself of Section 301, namely a rule of the US commercial law that would enable him to take unilateral actions, even retaliatory, in the scenario of international relations. In this regard, the above-mentioned signatories are said to be “extremely concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on the workers and their families. Any additional fare would lead – they point out in their release – to the increase in daily commodities prices, including apparel and footwear”. “41% of accessories and 72% of shoes sold in The United States are made in China – remarks Rick Helfenbein, chief executive officer of AAFA, one of the US fashion associations -. Customs duties, which are bound to be an additional tax to weigh down consumers, might cause some workers, currently employed in the supply chain, to lose their job”. Together with AAFA, RILA and NRF, two associations of retailers, signed the letter as well. Meanwhile FDRA, the association of US footwear manufacturers, sent a similar letter to President Trump: some major brands, such as Nike, Merrell, Caleres and Under Armour, signed it. US fashion is in turmoil.
US fashion system stands up against Trump: “Since 72% of our shoes are made in China, customs duties will mostly burden consumers”
