Ukraine

Supporting Ukraine – An Industry Resource Center

The American Apparel & Footwear Association and its members are deeply saddened by the ongoing violence and destruction in Ukraine. We continue to find ways to support the people affected by this tragedy, including those working in apparel and footwear supply chains. Our individual members have taken measures to assist their local teams as well as provide aid to international humanitarian organizations. Together we support coordinated and global efforts to bring about a swift and peaceful end to this crisis.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS:
On March 8, President Biden banned U.S. imports of Russian oil with this executive order.

On Friday, March 11, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ban of exports of luxury goods to Russia and his intention to work closely with Congress to deny Russia the benefits of its WTO membership so that Russian imports do not receive most favored nation treatment.

OTHER NEWS:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an emotional, virtual address to Members of the House and Senate at 9AM ET on March 16.

AAFA is working with Soles4Souls, Delivering Good, and Good360, on supporting the Ukrainian people.

SOLES4SOULS
Soles4Souls is looking for the following NEW items - cold weather apparel (all sizes and genders), underwear (all sizes and genders), socks (all sizes and genders), or cold weather footwear (all sizes and genders). S4S is working with partners on the ground to help provide these urgently needed new items directly to refugees and others adversely impacted by this crisis. If you would like to help, please contact corporate@soles4souls.org

DELIVERING GOOD
Delivering Good is currently working with the CIS Development Foundation, Inc. (CISDF) - an American non- profit organization that works on the ground in Eastern Europe and Asia - to help ensure that resources reach those in the greatest need. 100% of funds raised through the campaign will be used to purchase items that are most needed by families and individuals seeking safety from the Ukrainian conflict. Monetary donations to support displaced Ukrainians can be made here. At this time, Delivering Good is not looking to accept or solicit any product donations for this effort. Should a refugee population come to the U.S., Delivering Good does plan to support them with products. Stay tuned for additional updates.

GOOD360
Good360 – through a network of well-established programs for refugees – is working with U.S.-based and international partners to source goods as needs are identified, and to distribute the right goods to the right people at the right time. Visit this page to support Good360’s distribution of critically needed goods.

AAFA has hosted several member-only call(s) on Ukraine to discuss the situation, the industry’s efforts to provide support to the Ukrainian people, and the impact of sanctions on the industry. The next call has not yet been scheduled.

MEMBER INPUT: AAFA Members are welcome to submit questions or comments regarding your efforts. To do so, email Nate Herman.

LOGISTICS UPDATES:

Most ocean carriers, but not all, have banned all new bookings from Russia and Ukraine, and an increasing number of ports have banned Russian-flagged ships.

The U.S. and dozens of other countries have banned Russian air carriers from entering their air space, essentially shutting down Aeroflot (SU), AirBridgeCargo (RU), Volga-Dnepr Airline (VI), S7 Airline (S7), and any other Russian airline. Aeroflot has eliminated all international flights.

In response, Russia has banned air carriers from 38 countries, but not the United States yet, from its airspace, significantly impacting air routes to Asia.

American, United, and UPS are now avoiding Russian air space. Lufthansa predicted air space restrictions will essentially eliminate 10% of its air cargo capacity.

On March 3, FedEx announced a new war surcharge on international shipments.