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\tThe American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) backed the proposed two-month extension of the suspension of actions under the Section 301 investigation into China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, but urged the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to pursue a longer-term solution that would prevent maritime fees and related duties from being reinstated.<\/p>\n
AAFA backed extending the suspension of US maritime fees on China-linked shipping until January 9, 2027, but urged USTR to seek a longer-term solution.
\nIt warned that reinstating fees and equipment tariffs could raise costs and disrupt supply chains, calling for investment and allied partnerships to strengthen US maritime capacity.<\/p>\n
In comments submitted under Docket Number USTR-2026-0694, AAFA welcomed President Trump and USTR’s proposal to extend the suspension through January 9, 2027. It said maintaining the pause would provide relief to US shippers and supply chains, while calling for an early announcement on a lasting resolution to give businesses greater certainty.<\/p>\n
The association said it had participated throughout the investigation, including by testifying and submitting comments opposing the proposed port fees and equipment tariffs in March and May 2025, respectively. It also funded a study in March 2025, prepared by Trade Partnership Worldwide, LLC, which found that the charges would harm US manufacturers, farmers, workers and the broader economy. On November 7, 2025, AAFA submitted comments backing the original one-year suspension.<\/p>\n
While supporting efforts to strengthen US shipbuilding and maritime industries, AAFA argued that the port charges had made little progress towards achieving this objective. Instead of reducing reliance on Chinese shipbuilding, carriers redeployed vessels built outside China on US routes while continuing to increase orders at Chinese shipyards, it said. Chinese carriers also shifted some port calls to Canada and Mexico to avoid the charges, diverting business from US ports and workers, according to the association.<\/p>\n
AAFA cautioned that tariffs on essential shipping equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes and cargo-handling machinery, could increase costs and hamper port modernisation, given the limited availability of alternative suppliers.<\/p>\n
The association also warned that a further two-month pause would prolong uncertainty for US businesses. Apparel, travel goods and footwear supply chains rely on long-term shipping contracts, seasonal production schedules and complex transport networks. As AAFA members generally have no control over the vessels carrying their cargo, sudden changes in maritime charges and shipping routes could cause significant disruption, it said.<\/p>\n
AAFA called for stronger US maritime capabilities through investment, innovation and partnerships with allies. It cited Hanwha’s announced $5 billion investment in a Philadelphia shipyard and investments by US companies such as Anduril as examples of opportunities to expand domestic shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing capacity. Cooperation with trusted partners, including South Korea and Japan, would offer a more sustainable way to improve US maritime competitiveness without placing additional burdens on businesses, the association said.<\/p>\n
AAFA urged USTR to announce a longer-term resolution as soon as possible that would prevent the reinstatement of maritime fees and related duties, while prioritising investment and innovation to strengthen US shipbuilding and safeguard supply chains and consumers.<\/p>\n
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)<\/p>\n
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