Apparel and Footwear Industry Responds to the Suspension of the Heightened Tariffs on China

August 12, 2025 | WASHINGTON, D.C. The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds following President Trump's executive order "Further Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Ongoing Discussions with The People's Republic of China," which extends the temporary reduction of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports from China maintaining the baseline rate of 30 percent for another 90 days.

“We appreciate the administration’s continued engagement with China and the extension of the pause on heightened tariffs which will help to avert devastating consequences like product elimination and business closures. However, the constant cycle of deadline delays and vague deal terms has kept American companies and consumers stuck in the same holding pattern since April 1. This pattern has and continues to stifle innovation, strategic decision-making, and long-term growth," said AAFA President and CEO, Steve Lamar. "As talks with China progress, we urge the administration to include a non-stacking provision, similar to agreements with Japan and the EU. Even with the pause on the worst-case rate, a 30 percent tariff on our largest trading partner is still untenably high. We can’t forget that these tariffs are being added on top of existing ones including the nearly century-old Smoot-Hawley MFN tariffs and the Section 301 tariffs. When stacked on top of these already steep tariffs, it amounts to double taxation on hardworking American families for everyday essentials like clothing and footwear."

Today's news follows months of advocacy by AAFA and others urging de-escalation and deals and explaining how the current tariff policy does not support more U.S. manufacturing in our industry or the 3.6 million U.S. workers the industry currently employs. Unless Congress renews them, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade preference programs will expire soon, on September 30. For regular updates about the impact of tariffs on the U.S. apparel and footwear industry, and to keep track of key tariff dates, visit AAFA's Fashion Tariffs 101 page.