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

• August 22: Section 338 tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada on a variety of products, including some travel goods, textiles, apparel, footwear, and hats
• September 8: Canada's retaliatory tariffs take effect
• October 24: Deadline for USTR findings on Section 301 investigation into China’s phase-one deal
• November 10: The one-year suspension of Section 301 maritime actions targeting China’s shipbuilding and logistics sectors—including port fees on Chinese-built or Chinese-operated vessels calling at U.S. ports—expires
• December 31: AGOA and Haiti HELP/HOPE expiration
• January 1: Section 301 tariffs on Nicaragua will increase to 10%

No. They are no longer in effect as of February 24 (Executive Order) after the U.S. Supreme Court said the IEEPA tariffs were illegal.

Consult with legal counsel to assess exposure and compliance strategy. Monitor guidance from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and the Court of International Trade (CIT) on IEEPA tariff refunds. Review Executive Orders and trade agreement terms closely.

AAFA members can contact Beth Hughes.

There are currently multiple Section 301 tariffs targeting key apparel and footwear sourcing partners in an effort to rebuild the broad tariff coverage after the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs.

On May 29, USTR initiated a Section 301 investigation of Vietnam “to determine whether Vietnam’s persistent failure to resolve long-standing concerns about intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.” AAFA submitted comments on this investigation in July of 2026. The actions of this investigation have yet to be announced.

On July 22, USTR imposed a 25 percent Section 301 tariff on certain imports from Brazil, including all apparel and footwear. AAFA's Beth Hughes testified before the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) Hearing on Brazil in July of 2026.

On July 24, the Trump administration announced action in the Section 301 forced labor investigation, imposing new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners (59 countries and the 27 countries in the European Union). The justification issued is that these trading partners are taking insufficient steps to block goods imported into or transiting their countries that are made with forced labor.

The apparel and footwear industry is now anticipating announced action in the Section 301 excess capacity investigation that will further stack tariffs on key trading partners. On September 2, AAFA will provide members with an update on the status of Section 301 forced labor tariffs and pending legal challenges, consider how these tariffs may impact forced labor enforcement more broadly, and discuss strategies for compliance. Register.

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.