American Apparel & Footwear Association President and CEO Steve Lamar welcomed the passage of legislation by the US Senate that would extend the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) today. The program provides textile and apparel trade preferences to Caribbean countries; however, it is currently scheduled to expire today. The bill would extend the program to 30 September 2030.

“With the CBTPA scheduled to expire in just a few hours, the apparel and footwear industry is thankful for the speed in which the Senate moved this legislation after it was approved by the House last week. In particular, the efforts of Senators McConnell, Schumer, Grassley, Wyden, and Cardin, as well as former Senator Isakson, were essential in moving this bill which supports U.S. textile jobs and the growing industry in Haiti,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA.

“We now urge President Trump to sign the bill into law quickly to ensure this 10-year renewal of the CBTPA that will foster predictable and stable trade with Haiti and support U.S. jobs.”

AAFA is a strong supporter CBTPA and has been calling for the renewal of the program for some time. In April, AAFA sent a letter to Congress emphasizing the importance of the program. On 28 August, AAFA led a group of associations in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, calling for him to convey support for the program in conversations with Congress. Today’s action followed a similar letter by that group of associations to every Senator urging CBTPA’s speedy renewal.

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 1000 world famous name brands, AAFA is a trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its nearly four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $400 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA provides exclusive expertise in trade, brand protection, and supply chain and manufacturing to help our members navigate the complex regulatory environment and lower costs. Members gain access to information and exclusive insights on regulation and policy, and premier opportunities for networking and collaboration.

www.aafaglobal.org