PRESS RELEASE: Arlington, VA – The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) welcomes the introduction of the U.S. Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act of 2014 (U.S. OUTDOOR Act). Introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) in the Senate and David Reichert (R-WA) and Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) in the House, the U.S. OUTDOOR Act would eliminate certain duties on recreational performance outerwear.
“Outdoor apparel faces some of the highest tariffs imposed by the United States,” said AAFA President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan. “Taxing these products, especially since they are no longer produced domestically, does nothing except burden hard working American families with extra costs.”
Duggan continued, “The innovative and high tech apparel being designed and produced today looks nothing like the outerwear garments that existed when these tariffs were first imposed decades ago. The outdoor industry has transformed itself by incorporating state of the art technical construction and sustainable materials to meet the needs of consumers for higher performance product and specialized gear. It’s time to update our tariff policy to reflect these products and the industry they cover.”
“We congratulate Senators Cantwell and Ayotte and Representatives Reichert and Blumenauer, and their fellow Senate and House cosponsors, on their leadership. We will work with our partners in the industry, including the Outdoor Industry Association, to push for swift passage of this important legislation,” added Duggan.