After months of uncertainty, it looks as if fashion is getting hit with tariffs.
President Trump just announced that the U.S. government will introduce 10 percent levies on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports, effective Sept. 1. Such a move would drag apparel and footwear into the dispute for the first time, which unlike handbags have until now remained relatively sheltered.
“Our representatives have just returned from China where they had constructive talks having to do with a future trade deal. We thought we had a deal with China three months ago, but sadly, China decided to renegotiate the deal prior to signing. More recently, China agreed to buy agricultural product from the U.S. in large quantities, but did not do so. Additionally, my friend President Xi said he would stop the sale of fentanyl to the U.S. — this never happened, and many Americans continue to die!” Trump tweeted.
“Trade talks are continuing, and during the talks the U.S. will start, on Sept. 1, putting a small additional tariff of 10 percent on the remaining 300 billion dollars of goods and products coming from China into our country,” he tweeted.
The tariffs are less than the 25 percent the U.S. government was threatening to impose just weeks ago.