Report: Trump Administration’s Latest Tariff Moves Impact Apparel

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The latest tariff exclusions by the Trump Administration leave out apparel and footwear. A report by Bloomberg says clothing and shoes are subject to a 10% levy slotted to take effect Sept. 1.

The latest move by the President is reportedly an attempt to avoid consumer impact during the upcoming Christmas season, CNBC claims. The delay applies to a broad range of goods, including smartphones, computers, and video games, but products such as garments, footwear, and home textiles did not make the cut.

Bloomberg, citing an internal White House communication, says “the administration split the initial tariff list on $300 billion of goods into two by looking at the percentage of a category that the U.S. imported from China in 2018. If less than 75% of a category of imports came from China, then those goods are in line for a Sept. 1 increase.”

For goods in the 75% or more category, levies are delayed until Dec. 15.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), a regularly vocal challenger of the ongoing tariffs and their impact on the American consumer, spoke with Bloomberg on the matter. AAFA executive vice president Steve Lamar says “the headlines are saying the administration ‘saved Christmas’ (are) just creating more confusion. This is not the case.” The strategy, Lamar tells the news outlet, puts a tax burden on American businesses and consumers.

The Trump Administration’s ongoing moves in the tariff war continue to send ripples through the apparel industry with measures impacting both hemispheres. In June, the President proposed levies for Mexico as a means to curb the influx of immigrants at the Southern Border.