The Place of Apparel in the Global Economy, a speech by Kevin M. Burke, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) president and CEO, regarding the benefits of globalization as demonstrated by the apparel industry and the threat of protectionism to the global economy. Mr. Burke presented this speech at the 2007 International Apparel Federation World Convention in Taipei, Taiwan.
Thank you for inviting me here to Taipei. It is great to see so many friends and colleagues gathered to discuss the impact of globalization on the apparel industry.
Not long ago, World Bank President and Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick told me that he viewed the apparel industry as being on the frontlines of globalization. It is a high compliment to all of us, but it is also a statement of responsibility.
As recognized leaders of globalization, we have witnessed protectionism, we have faced global prejudice, we have struggled with trade barriers and we have been questioned on the very model of how we do business. And why? Because not enough people understand yet that globalization is good.
Certainly, one would think that everybody knows that fair and open two-way, international trade leads to better products at cheaper prices for everyone. This is good for American apparel firms and American consumers. This is good for trading partners around the world.
It's quite simple, when tariffs and trade barriers are reduced and eliminated, everyone wins. But do people really believe that? Do they understand that their ability to get more affordable clothing is related to the fact their clothing is produced offshore? Do they understand that when governments collect tariffs or impose new quotas or other restrictions, they pay more for no extra value?
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American Apparel & Footwear Association
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