US' AAFA backs tariff-free trade steps with El Salvador & Guatemala

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has welcomed frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with El Salvador and Guatemala. These frameworks incorporate key features vital for the US textile, apparel, and footwear industry.

Under these frameworks, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on products that qualify for the US/Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR). These actions follow each country’s commitments to take steps to strengthen their trade partnerships with the United States.

“We are grateful to President Trump and his trade negotiating teams for this bold step to support US workers and communities whose lives and livelihoods are directly enabled by US-Central American trade. These actions bolster key US export markets in Central America, reduce costs for American consumers, and reinforce the competitiveness of integrated regional supply chains that rely on US cotton and other textiles,” said Steve Lamar, AAFA president and CEO.

The removal of tariffs on these CAFTA-DR qualifying products, items like textiles and apparel that are already subject to strict rules of origin, ensures that the US/Central American partnership can continue to support workers and communities throughout the United States, AAFA said in a release.

“We urge these agreements to be finalised soon so that these gains can quickly take effect and encourage the United States to incorporate similar provisions in forthcoming agreements with our other CAFTA-DR partners,” added Beth Hughes, AAFA vice president of trade and customs policy.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)