The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has welcomed US Congress’ decision to extend the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA). The bill was passed by the House of Representatives with a vote of 365-95, and by unanimous consent in the Senate.

Kevin Burke, president and CEO of AAFA, stated, “We are pleased that key congressional leaders were able to forge a bipartisan and bicameral agreement to allow this eight-month extension to go forward without any further delay.” Without this legislation, the ATPA legislation would have expired on Saturday, June 30, creating considerable disruption for US textile and apparel firms that do business with the Andean countries.” 

Mr Burke added, “Before time runs out on this new eight-month extension, we urge Congress to turn its attention to passage of the Peru and Colombia Free Trade Agreements—agreements that have been endorsed by the entire textile and apparel supply chain—to remove the economic uncertainty that currently plagues our trade relationships with these important partners.”