United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) has strongly criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to impose new tariffs on all imports, warning that it will severely impact American fashion brands, retailers, and consumers—especially low-income families.
In its statement, the USFIA emphasized the fashion industry’s deep reliance on global supply chains, where a single garment may pass through several countries before reaching U.S. shelves. The association said the new tariffs—averaging 22% on apparel—will disproportionately harm an already burdened industry and warned that major trading partners being labeled as “worst offenders” could trigger trade tensions.
The fashion industry has already paid $15.6 billion in tariffs in 2024, yet only 3% of apparel is produced domestically, highlighting the limited benefits to U.S. manufacturing. The average tariff on apparel is now 14.6%, significantly higher than the 5% on steel, suggesting a disproportionate focus on clothing.
USFIA also spotlighted gender-based tariff disparities, citing a U.S. International Trade Commission report showing that women’s clothing faces $2.77 billion more in tariffs than men’s, contributing to a so-called “pink tax.” Ultimately, the USFIA urged the administration to rethink its tariff strategy, arguing that such policies increase costs for American households without boosting local production, and that free, open trade is essential for the fashion industry’s sustainability and consumer affordability.
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