AAFA Asks for Higher Quota in AGOA, Early Renewal
The American Apparel and Footwear Association is asking Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act this year, five years ahead of its expiration. “Companies are poised to diversify out of China, and Africa is a logical place for many of them. The on-again, off-again nature of the program before the ten-year renewal was extremely disruptive and meant the industry was not able to take full advantage of the first 15 years of the program,” AAFA's letter said. The trade organization is also asking that the quota limit for third country fabric be increased from 3.5% to at least 4%, with a growth provision.
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As the U.S. negotiates free trade with Kenya, AAFA asks that there be rules of origin that give Kenya credit for purchasing inputs from other African countries that are AGOA beneficiaries. “In the end, regionalization will encourage more countries in the region to pursue trade agreements with the U.S.,” AAFA said.