AAFA news and archive

AAFA releases guide on worker protection from heat

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has released a new guide aimed at helping fashion supply chains protect workers from extreme heat, as rising global temperatures increase health risks in manufacturing environments. Published on April 17, 2026, the AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from Heat Stress offers practical recommendations for...

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AAFA files legal complaint over California textile recycling scheme rollout

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has filed a legal complaint challenging the implementation of California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, marking a significant development in the rollout of the US’s first extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles. The complaint targets regulator CalRecycle, arguing...

People

AAFA adds Fabletics president to board, New Balance CEO becomes chair

The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has named a slew of new members to its board of directors as part of a wider leadership renewal. In addition, Joe Preston, the chief executive officer and president of New Balance, has been named chair, succeeding Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren’s chief product and merchandising officer. Among the...

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How US trade organisations responded to the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs

On Friday, the US Supreme Court overruled Donald Trump’s tariffs, determining that the president had wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose levies. The region’s trade organisations swiftly responded to the ruling, largely expressing support for the court’s decision, many grateful for the stability...

Fashion

AAFA study: Fashion fakes not only hurt brands but are also dangerous to health

Counterfeit apparel, footwear and accessories present serious chemical and product safety hazards to consumers. This is the conclusion of a recent study titled “Unboxing Fake Fashion Unleashing Real Dangers”. It was released by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and supported by total assurance quality provider Intertek. As part...

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US trade organisations commend Trump’s comments on sneaker and T-shirt production

Leading US fashion and textile organisations have backed recent comments by president Donald Trump in which he suggested that his stringent tariff policies were “not focused on driving sneaker and T-shirt production to the US”. A joint letter – signed by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Council of Fashion Designers of America...

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AAFA, FDRA and NRF welcome US-China tariff pause, call for long-term deal

US apparel and footwear trade associations have welcomed the US and China’s 90-day pause on heightened tariffs. Yet, while the temporary agreement has somewhat calmed the waters of the two regions’ trade war, organisations are still calling for a long-term deal that will mitigate rising costs and prices. This was reflected in a statement from...

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AAFA expresses concern over ‘on-again, off-again’ tariff policy

Steve Lamar, the president and chief executive officer of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), has expressed concern over what he called an “on-again, off-again tariff policy” that he says “is forcing companies to careen between chaos and costs”. While Lamar and the organisation welcomed the current 90-day pause on certain tariffs...

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US fashion industry pushes for extension of Haiti trade programme

US congressman Greg Murphy, alongside other representatives, has introduced a bipartisan legislation calling for the 10-year extension of the country’s trade programme with Haiti, a bill that leading fashion industry figures are adamantly supporting. The HOPE/HELP trade programmes, which are set to expire in September 2025, intend to help...

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Trump is to be the next US president: What does this mean for fashion and retail?

“America has spoken,” as said by Steve Lamar, president and chief executive officer of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA). Donald Trump is to return to the White House to serve as the 47th US president, while his Republican party has also won control of the Senate. With dozens of races still to be called, meaning power over the...

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AAFA president on the US election year, counterfeiting and conscious regulation

The US election is continuing to heat up, with voting day now visibly on the horizon. While at the forefront of debates are the policies and outlooks presented by political candidates, there is much behind-the-scenes work by industry representatives that goes well beyond the deadlines of ballot entries. For fashion, the American Apparel &...

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AAFA and FLA urge interim Bangladesh government to improve worker rights

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) together with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) have issued a joint letter to Bangladesh’s interim government calling on the improvement of worker rights for the country’s garment, footwear and travel goods industries. In a letter to Mohammad Yunus, chief advisor for the interim government of...