The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has expressed concern over the reciprocal tariffs announced by the White House, warning that the move will raise costs for US businesses and consumers alike.   

The new tariffs target all major suppliers of apparel, footwear, and travel goods, industries that already face some of the highest tariff rates in the US trade system.

Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA, criticised the decision in a statement, calling it a step backward for both the industry and American households.   

"Tariffs are taxes borne by American companies and the hardworking families that buy these goods," he said. "True liberation would have meant eliminating this high tariff burden, not adding to it."   

According to Lamar, before the latest measures, the average tariff on clothing, shoes, and accessories was already more than five times higher than on other imports.   

The additional tariffs will worsen inflation and disproportionately impact women and families, said the official of the AAFA, which represents more than 1,100 brands and 3.5 million American workers.

He also warned that US manufacturers, depending on foreign inputs—many of which have no American substitutes—will face higher production costs. Combined with potential retaliatory tariffs, the move could undercut US exports.   

"The chaos of recent months, and now the confusion from this announcement, only adds to the uncertainty facing the industry," Lamar added.