Rising import duties are compounding financial strains across the American apparel and textile ecosystem. Trade analysis reveals, average trade-weighted duty rates on US apparel imports increased from 14.70 per cent to 24.56 per cent, driving total duties collected across apparel, footwear, and travel goods to $28.44 billion.
Compounding costs and regulatory friction
Through August 2026, domestic importers paid $17.90 billion in duties, driven by $8.23 billion in additional levies tied to presidential trade authority actions. Overlapping duties under Sections 301, 232, 122, and 338 continue to create significant regulatory friction, raising sourcing costs for enterprises relying on foreign manufacturing inputs.
Structural barriers and sector outlook
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) warns, multi-layered duties on critical inputs weaken market predictability. Layering stacked tariffs on essential inputs severely undermines supply chain planning, notes an AAFA policy representative. Industry stakeholders urge lawmakers to institute non-stacking provisions and clear statutory notice periods to protect operating margins and preserve consumer affordability.
Securing regulatory clarity to expand global trade
The American Apparel & Footwear Association represents U.S. apparel, footwear, and sewn-product brand owners, retailers, and manufacturers. Servicing major retail markets, the association advocates for trade efficiency and supply chain stability. AAFA aims to secure regulatory clarity to expand global commerce, expanding on a decades-long legacy of industry advocacy.
