Trump vs. Xi: What fashion items will be affected by tariffs raise?

Fashion in the center of the trade war. The United States and China activated the first round of tariff raises and intensifies a fight that started one year and a half ago. In this occasion, Donald Trump’s administration has placed in its list near 700 items of textile, clothes, raw materials and machinery. In the case of the Chinese government, raises focus in electronics and aeronautics industry.

Up until now, textile had escaped the conflict, although tariff raises affected some raw materials like cotton. However, the last list of tariffs by the United Sates to China rose up to 112 billion dollars, and represents 77% of industrial items, raw materials and confectioned garments, according to the American Apparel&Footwear Association (Aafa).  

Considering raw materials, new raises affect gross textiles, knitted fabrics, chenille and synthetic fibers. In the garments, fifteen different types are penalized, such as coats, capes and anoraks in leather, synthetic or in cotton, for men and women.

The United States started operating its tariff raises that represent 77% of its textile and fashion imports from China

Raises also hits suits, blazers, trousers and vests. In the womenswear division, dresses, skirts, shorts, t-shirts and shirts in different materials are also affected. Other items that hit the list are intimates, men and women, bras, sleepwear, underwear, socks, pullover and other winter garments like scarfs and gloves.

Also, most of baby items are also penalized, and also tracksuits, ski garments, swimwear, amongst other are also present, as well as ties and ribbons.

Raises go from daily use items to shirts, suits and jackets, winter clothing, sportwear and swimsuits

Footwear is also listed, from shoes for specific performance to waterproof and boots. In this category boots, sandals and protection footwear is penalized as well. The measure goes also to textile machinery, from printers, to knitting machines to threaders, as well as technology to fix and repair fabrics and other textile processes.

Last June, the American Apparel&Footwear Association (Aafa), spoke to the government of its country to ask for a stop in the tariff raises to the garments manufactured in China. Some of the companies that are part of the Aafa are PVH, VF, Tapestry, Global Brands, Gap or Levi Strauss, amongst others. Two months earlier, a total of 170 companies in the country, including Nike, also talked to the president to stop involving fashion in the trade war.

Last August, the president of the Aafa, Rick Helfenbein, explained through a press release that “Trump administration’s use of tit-for-tat tariff hikes are not part of any coherent strategy for China” said Helfenbein.

American giants like Abercrombie&Fitch or PVH already warned in its last results that the new tariff raise of the United States government will affect its fiscal year results.