Cost of Removing PFAS Could Exceed Global GDP Oct. 3: Removing all current emissions of PFAS chemicals from the environment would cost more than the value of all goods and services produced worldwide, according to a study. Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) say it demonstrates the sheer scale of the challenge posed by the so-called forever chemicals – named for their durability in the environment. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are used to give textiles water- and stain-proof coatings, among other industrial uses, but have been linked with a string of serious health risks. (Source: Ecotextile News) |
German Fashion, Textile Sector Unite on Future EPR Concept Oct. 1: The German associations have shared a declaration of intent and position paper to take joint responsibility and contribute to a sustainable solution for textiles with regard to EPR at an early stage. The associations note that the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles will fundamentally change the textile and fashion industry in the coming years. (Source: Just Style) |
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Trump’s Tariff Revenue Could Help Keep the Government Open. Why Isn’t That Happening? Oct. 6: ... Core functions, including many food and drug inspections, are suspended because Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked on funding the government. Meanwhile, the government continues to rake in record levels of tariff revenue, which President Donald Trump frequently brags about. Those tens of billions of dollars are a drop in the bucket compared to what it takes to fund the government, but they could soften the blow from the shutdown – at least temporarily – while lawmakers remain at odds. (Source: CNN) |
Vietnam’s Footwear Exports to U.S. Drop Amid Trump Tariffs Oct. 6: Vietnam's footwear exports to the United States plunged 27% in September to $611 million, marking the steepest decline among all sectors following the implementation of tariffs by the U.S. government, according to customs data released Monday. (Source: Reuters) |
Trump Wanted to Extend a Key U.S.-Africa Trade Agreement. It Expired Anyway Oct. 3: “AGOA has kind of been the litmus test for the strengths of the U.S.-Africa trade partnership,” said Steve Lamar, president of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, a trade group that represents some beneficiaries of the program. “When we’re expanding the trade partnership with Africa, we are tangibly and symbolically signaling that, as a country, we want to be engaged with the individual countries as well as the continent of Africa.” “Building and deepening AGOA reinforces our commitment to the continent and our interest to be engaged, and letting it expire — even for a short period of time — sends the exact opposite signal,” he said. (Source: Washington Post) |
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Oracle’s Role as Protector of TikTok Data Panned as Rehash of Earlier Plan Sept. 26: President Donald Trump’s plan to save TikTok for Americans casts Oracle Corp. as the security guard for US user data and the app’s all-important algorithm. “Oracle is playing a very big part. Oracle really understands this,” Trump said from the Oval Office this week. “So I think it’s going to be very well protected.” White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Friday that Oracle would function as “the great firewall of America.” (Source: Bloomberg, unlocked by MSN) |
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AAFA President and CEO, Steve Lamar, welcomes Stuart Pond, Vice President Chief Supply Chain Officer at VF Corporation, at the AAFA Office in D.C. on October 6. |
Share our congratulations to Nate Herman, AAFA's Executive Vice President, on social media: |
Congratulations to Nate Herman, Executive Vice President: AAFA is thrilled to announce the promotion of Nate Herman to Executive Vice President! Nate has been a driving force behind AAFA’s advocacy on trade, product safety, and corporate social responsibility for two decades. In his new role, Nate will work alongside AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar, continuing to elevate the voice of the apparel, footwear, accessories, and travel goods industry in Washington and around the world. Please join us in congratulating Nate on this well-deserved promotion and his continued leadership in advancing our industry’s mission! |
USTR call to action on Notorious Markets - AAFA nomination of META, Shopee, and Alibaba platforms: On October 1, AAFA submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as part of USTR’s 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (NML). In its submission, AAFA recommended that the platforms Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Shopee, Alibaba’s AliExpress, and Taobao be included in USTR’s 2025 NML report for allowing and profiting from the promotion and sale of counterfeit products. These activities threaten legitimate businesses, workers, consumers, and American innovation. Contact Jennifer Hanks and request access to AAFA's Brand Protection Council initiatives. |
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New! Member resource on exotic furs: AAFA's new Exotic Skins and Furs Regulatory Matrix is a member-only resource (login required) that includes information about the labeling requirements and product prohibitions, both within the U.S. and internationally, as they relate to exotic skins and fur. This tool describes the scope of relevant state, national, and international laws and frameworks and provides links to relevant government guidance. Contact Conor O'Brien for questions about this resource and the Environmental Committee. |
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Member Welcome: Seaman Paper |
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| Today, Seaman Paper is the leading supplier of value-added specialty lightweight papers. We have grown globally through continuous innovation of our product line with a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing. |
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| Visit our events calendar for all AAFA webinars, scheduled events, and member/committee calls. |
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Monday, October 27
2:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET | Online |
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Webinar: Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency in a Changing Landscape |
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As global supply chains face increasing scrutiny and regulatory requirements, businesses must adopt smarter, more efficient strategies for traceability, supplier compliance, sustainability, and risk management. This webinar will explore practical approaches to overcoming key challenges, featuring insights from industry leaders – TradeBeyond, Kharon, and United Legwear & Apparel Co. |
Attendees of this webinar will learn: How to engage with suppliers to meet regulatory compliance data requirements, overcome challenges in obtaining reliable responses, and ensure consistent communication for compliance. About the current state of sustainability certifications and predict how the landscape will evolve in the next few years. Strategies to build trust with suppliers, reduce audit fatigue, and still meet critical traceability requirements under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). To identify current gaps in traceability programs and understand the investments needed to improve traceability and meet evolving regulatory expectations.
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Our webinars provide the apparel and footwear industry with educational content focused on niche, innovative concepts and successful business practices. Contact AAFA Events for information about conducting an AAFA webinar. |
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About the American Apparel & Footwear Association The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,100 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology. |
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