Written by The Banking Post
Global garment manufacturers have urged US buyers to shoulder part of the burden from the newly imposed tariffs on apparel imports, warning that the escalating trade measures could jeopardize workers’ rights, industry sustainability, and economic stability across the supply chain.
In a joint statement issued Monday, the International Apparel Federation (IAF), the Sustainable Textiles of the Asian Region (STAR) Network, and the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI) called on brands and retailers to honor their commitments to responsible purchasing practices (RPP). These include fair payment terms, transparent order planning, and a commitment to share risks—especially during periods of crisis.
The concern follows the US administration’s announcement that, starting August 7, most apparel imports from major producing nations will face additional tariffs ranging between 15% and 25%. While the new rates are slightly lower than those proposed on April 2, manufacturers say the impact will still be severe.
“Tariffs hurt everyone, including American consumers,” the statement said. “Increased uncertainty, higher costs, and reduced margins will create a more difficult environment for labor rights and environmental progress.”
The global garment and textile sector, one of the most interconnected industries in the world, employs over 75 million people—most of them women. Industry leaders say the new US tariffs are unlikely to bring back jobs to the US or strengthen domestic manufacturing. Instead, they warn, consumers will face higher clothing prices, particularly affecting low-income households, while producers overseas could suffer job losses and factory closures.
“These measures mirror the chaos of the COVID-19 era—only this time, the crisis is man-made,” said the joint statement.
Suppliers say they already operate on razor-thin margins, with wages fixed by national laws and rising costs of raw materials and logistics. The added cost pressures could undo years of progress made in ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices in producing countries.
“Passing these tariff shocks onto manufacturers risks reversing hard-earned gains on decent work and environmental sustainability,” the statement concluded.
