The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) hailed the introduction this week of the US Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act of 2014 or also called the US Outdoor Act.
The Act which seeks to eliminate certain duties on recreational performance outerwear was introduced in the Senate by Senators Maria Cantwell and Kelly Ayotte and David Reichert and Earl Blumenauer in the House.
"Outdoor apparel faces some of the highest tariffs and taxing these products, especially since they are no longer produced domestically, does nothing except burden Americans with extra costs”, AAFA CEO – Juanita Duggan informs.
Duggan continues, “The innovative and high tech apparel being designed and produced today looks nothing like the outerwear garments that existed when these tariffs were first imposed decades ago.”
"The outdoor industry now uses advanced and sustainable materials to meet the demand for higher performance products and specialized gear. It’s time to update our tariff policy to reflect these products and the industry they cover”, he says.
"We will work with our partners in the industry, including the Outdoor Industry Association, to push for swift passage of this important legislation,” Duggan adds. (AR)
