A coalition of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and other leading textile, apparel, footwear and retail associations has urged the US House of Representatives to pass legislation reauthorising key trade preference programmes for sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti.
In a joint letter, addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the groups called for passage of the AGOA Extension Act (HR 6500) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act (HR 6504) on suspension.
The letter noted that the House Ways and Means Committee approved both bills last month with overwhelming bipartisan support. The proposed measures would retroactively renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Haiti HOPE/HELP programmes for three years, providing certainty for US companies and stability for workers in sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti.
Industry groups said the programmes support American cotton and textile exports, help diversify sourcing beyond China, and directly support about 3.6 million US workers.
Signatories included the AAFA, the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, National Retail Federation, Outdoor Industry Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the US Fashion Industry Association.
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