AAFA Applauds House Passage of CBTPA Extension Bill; Calls for Action from Senate and Administration to Avert Program Expiration

American Apparel & Footwear Association president and CEO Steve Lamar today welcomed the passage of legislation that would extend the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA). The legislation would extend the program that provides textile and apparel trade preferences to Caribbean countries until September 30, 2030. 

Today, CBTPA predominately supports trade with Haiti, with 30 percent of Haitian exports to the U.S. coming under CBTPA. At the same time, the program supports U.S. textile jobs due to the requirement that apparel imports to the U.S. utilize U.S.-made yarns and fabrics. 

“Thanks to Representatives Sewell and Wenstrup for their passionate leadership on this issue, and to Chairmen Neal and Blumenauer, Ranking Members Brady and Buchanan, and all their colleagues for their support today,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. "We now urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this measure before it expires eight days from today, and for President Trump to sign it into law. At a time of considerable uncertainty, it is reassuring to see Congress approve a 10-year renewal of the CBTPA to foster predictable and stable trade with Haiti." 

AAFA has supported the CBTPA throughout its existence and has been calling for the renewal of the program, which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2020. In April, AAFA sent a letter to Congress emphasizing the importance of the program. On August 28, AAFA led a group of associations in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, calling for him to convey support for the program in conversations with Congress.