Fashion Tariffs 101

A little context about how tariffs and the trade war impact clothes, shoes, accessories, and travel goods.

Tariffs on U.S. Importers | Tariffs Are Taxes

It’s no secret that much of the clothing and footwear you purchase is imported. We are a highly globalized industry, and your most trusted brands have sophisticated and responsible supply chains across the world. What is surprising is that American brands and their consumers are footing a tariff burden that is outdated, regressive, and even misogynistic!

Did You Know?  

  • The U.S. apparel, footwear, and accessories industry directly employs 3.24 million American workers in good paying jobs in design, R&D, compliance, marketing, and retail in every corner of the United States.
  • U.S. apparel imports in 2025 faced a near record average effective tariff rate of 24.6 percent while the effective U.S. footwear import tariff rate nearly doubled from its 2024 rate to 23.6 percent in 2025.
  • Many are surprised to learn that there is STILL an extra burden borne by woman due to a “pink tariff” - U.S. tariff rates on women's clothes and shoes are about three percent higher on average than tariffs on men's clothes and shoes.   
  • The disparity means an extra cost of about $2 billion+ for females (or more precisely, buyers of women's clothes and shoes) as of 2018.
Although fashion’s supply chains have evolved considerably over the past decade alone, the tariffs governing that supply chain are still anchored in the policies that led to the Great Depression. Fashion tariffs are also regressive, not only by disproportionately taxing the disposable income of lower income American more than their richer counterparts, but also by charging higher tariff rates on product that they buy in greater quantities than wealthier Americans. For any conversation regarding new tariffs, it makes sense to address the longstanding gender and income discrimination. 

Learn more about the current tariff landscape around the world with AAFA's tracker of tariffs and trade negotiations by country (for members, login required. Additional unlocked resources below).
Tariffs By State

From Arizona to Texas to Pennsylvania, tariff rate increases — like those in 2018-2019 due to Section 301 tariffs on China, and coming soon due to recent tariff announcements and ‘reciprocal tariff reviews’ — raise prices for consumers of many everyday items. Dig into our analysis of 2024 data, state by state, with these one-pagers.

How Can Tariffs Be Strategic? 

Tariffs, thoughtfully applied for strategic ends, can play an important role in advancing U.S. economic and security policies. But across the board tariffs, particularly on fashion articles and materials, and other items that are not made at scale in the United States, only fuel inflation. We look forward to a renewed and invigorated conversation on smart tariff and trade policy, not only to make sure we can fix a centuries old problem, but also to ensure we have the tools to keep us competitive, fashionably so, well into the coming decades.  

Read on with recent comments, testimony, and follow along with #TariffsAreTaxes.

Recent Comments & Testimony

Sep. 11, 2026

AAFA Signs Letter Opposing Secondary Tariffs

AAFA signed a joint letter to Congress opposing secondary tariff authority in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.

Sep. 01, 2026

AAFA Applauds Congressional Passage of Two-Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs

AAFA applauds two year extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act.

Aug. 10, 2026

AAFA Applauds Senate Passage of Two Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE HELP Programs

AAFA applauds two year extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act.

Jul. 10, 2026

AAFA Submits Comments to USTR on U.S.-China Board of Trade

AAFA submitted comments to USTR on the U.S.-China Board of Trade.

Jul. 06, 2026

AAFA Testifies at USTR Hearing on Brazil

AAFA testified at USTR's hearing on Brazil urging against additional tariffs.

Apr. 15, 2026

Comments on Section 301 Investigation on Excess Capacity

AAFA submitted comments to USTR on Section 301 investigation on excess capacity.

WHAT DATES ARE TOP OF MIND IN THE TRADE POLICY WORLD?

(Note: FAQ last updated October 28, 2026)

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AAFA is closely tracking trade developments, including those directly related to these dates:

  • January 1: Section 301 tariffs on Nicaragua will increase to 10%
  • January 10: The U.S. Office of the Trade Representative put out a Federal Register Notice proposing further suspension of Section 301 ship fees on Chinese vessel. If finalized, the suspension would expire on that date, and fees could resume on January 10 unless further extended.
AAFA members can stay informed with Trade and Customs Committee access. Members of the media are encouraged to contact the AAFA communications team for related questions and comments.

ARE IEEPA TARIFFS STILL BEING ENACTED?

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No. They are no longer in effect as of February 24 (Executive Order) after the U.S. Supreme Court said the IEEPA tariffs were illegal.

WHAT IS ANOTHER UNEXPECTED RISK OF TARIFFS?

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Counterfeiters often benefit from the cost pressures consumers face in a high-tariff economic environment, generating profits through the sale of illicit goods. Because they frequently avoid the costs associated with regulatory, social, and ethical compliance, counterfeiters can operate with lower overhead than legitimate businesses. This creates a competitive disadvantage for authentic brands that comply with trade regulations and continue to invest in social and ethical standards.

Recent AAFA-commissioned study results, conducted with globally recognized Total Quality Assurance provider Intertek, reveal alarming evidence that counterfeit apparel, footwear, and accessory products present serious chemical and product safety hazards to consumers.

Follow with #TariffsHurt #TariffsAreTaxes
Contact us: tariffs@aafaglobal.org | media@aafaglobal.org