UKFT: British fabrics could face 35% tariffs
The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) is liaising with the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) and The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) to understand the impact of the new tariffs US president Donald Trump has announced.
Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: “The US is the UK’s second largest export market for fashion and textiles and the new US tariff regime will benefit no-one. It will lead to reduced exports from the UK and will impact UK fashion and textile manufacturers, at time when they are already facing unprecedented cost increases.
"Although the 10% tariff on UK exports is lower than the 20% on EU products, it adds to existing tariffs, making some luxury fabrics from the UK subject to a 35% tariff in the US. At the same time, UK retailers and brands that manufacture in countries such as Vietnam and Bangladesh and ship directly to the US will face huge increases in costs. The new US tariffs will also mean increased prices for US consumers, and it will make the cost of raw materials for US manufacturers more expensive.”
UKFT is gathering data from members to present a clear picture of the situation to government.
