IMPORT & EXPORT
Import Scares, Supply-Chain Snares—How to Navigate Tariff Uncertainty
By Dorothy Crouch, Contributing Writer | September 19, 2025
California Apparel News asked experts in fiber, yarn and fabric: How have you navigated through proposed and implemented tariffs that impact your business from raw materials to finished goods?
Denim Under Fire: The EU Tax Hike on US-Made Jeans
The European Union recently unexpectedly and drastically raised duties on US-made women’s jeans to 38 percent. Trade officials, industry organizations and manufacturers are working to repeal the tax hike. Stay up to date on the issue here.
U.S. Senate Approves Michael Froman as New U.S. Trade Representative
The naming of Michael Froman as the new U.S. trade representative is good news for the U.S. textile industry.
Columbia Names President of New China Joint Venture
Columbia Sportswear Commercial (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. named Samson Wong president of the company, a joint venture between Columbia Sportswear Co. and Swire Resources Limited, a subsidiary of Swire Pacific Limited and the exclusive distributor of Columbia Sportswear in mainland China.
Trade Officials and Brands Working to Repeal High EU Duty on US-Made Jeans
Los Angeles manufacturers, facing a new 38 percent European duty on women’s jeans made in the United States, are weighing their options and trying to avoid moving production outside the country.
Li & Fung Chair Doesn’t Believe in Abandoning Bangladesh, Sees Changes in China
William K. Fung, chairman of apparel sourcing giant Li & Fung, spoke recently in LA about sourcing opportunities--and responsibilities--around the world.
Retailers Stocking Later for the Back-to-School and Holiday Seasons
The National Retail Federation's monthly “Port Tracker” report, which monitors cargo container traffic coming into through the nation’s largest ports, forecasts a major jump in imports in October.
Industry Voices: EU Rate Hike on US Jeans Puts Los Angeles Industry at Risk
What do crane trucks, eyeglasses frames, frozen sweet corn and women’s blue jeans have in common? Nothing, unless you are a European customs official. These are the four unlucky U.S. products that have been slapped with extra tariffs by the European Union in retribution for a U.S. law that breaks international trading rules.
EU Denim Duty: California Representatives Press Administration to Protect Denim Jobs
California Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard, Xavier Beccera, Linda Sanchez and Grace Napolitano urge action on the EU's steep duty on US denim.
Retail Sales and Cargo-Container Volumes to Slow This Summer
Retail sales are expected to cool down as consumers remain cautious about the economy.
EU Duty Triples on U.S. Women’s Denim Pants
As of May 1, all U.S.-made women’s denim pants imported into the EU had their duty raised from 12 percent to 38 percent.
Los Angeles Blue Jeans Makers Floored by New Duties Being Imposed by Europe
Three U.S. goods currently subject to a 15 percent EU duty—sweet corn, eyewear frames and mountings, and crane trucks—will have their duties increased to 26 percent. But the big hit came to U.S.-made women’s jeans. This category will see its 12 percent duty rise to 38 percent.
Slow Economy Keeps Manufacturers and Retailers Working Hard for Their Money
With earnings season upon us, several retail and apparel companies are reporting year-end and quarterly results that tell a happy story.
U.S. Ports to See a Rising Tide of Imports
Imports at the nation’s ports are expected to increase 2.7 percent in April over the same month last year and inch up 4.7 percent during the first six months of this year, according to the National Retail Federation.
StudioCL Loses Court Case Against Chinese Manufacturer
After deliberating for one day, a jury ruled on March 25 that StudioCLmust pay a Chinese manufacturer more than $400,000 for money the Los Angeles apparel maker still owes the garment factory.
AAFA Summit: Technology and International Trade to Fuel Industry Growth
With a crowd of more than 180—which included 52 first-time attendees—the American Apparel & Footwear Association hosted its three-day Executive Summit March 13–15 at the Four Season...
