January 28, 2026, the Marine Corps is making its all-weather coat unavailable due to a defect that can cast an unsightly hue, according to a new memo from the service. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-01-29/marines-ban-all-weather-coat-defect-20562625.html Source - Stars and Stripes
Read more HERE.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (‘‘CITA’’) has determined that certain faux leather fabric bonded to a pile fabric, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA–DR countries. The product is added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR in unrestricted quantities.
Read more HERE.
Supply chain fragility accumulates in the lower tiers, where small, capital-constrained firms face single-source dependencies, limited surge capacity, and exposure to foreign supply chains. Disruptions at these levels often remain unseen until they cascade upward,
Read mored HERE.
DLX Enterprises LLC,* Eugene, Oregon, has been awarded a maximum $46,359,788 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for modular general purpose tent system and components. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Tennessee, with a Jan. 22, 2029, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-0018).
*Small business
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announces that the Forced Labor Portal is now live.
The Forced Labor Portal is a centralized location for importers to submit review requests for shipments detained or excluded for forced labor enforcement. Depending on the type of review submitted, submission will be reviewed by CBP personnel in Forced Labor Division, or Port of Entry, or the Center of Excellence and Expertise.
Effective, January 21, 2026, it is a mandatory requirement to use the Forced Labor Portal to submit the following review:
The Portal is available at https://flportal.cbp.gov/s/login/
Also available are an instructional “how to” quick reference guide, video on submission of request, and recorded webinar on www.cbp.gov/trade/forced-labor webpage.
Quick Reference Guide: https://www.cbp.gov/document/guides/how-submit-review-requests-forced-labor-portal.
Direct link to Instructional Video: https://www.dhs.gov/medialibrary/assets/video/61282.
The U.S. Space Force released updated dress and appearance guidance Jan. 13, formally introducing the design of its new service dress uniform and outlining the transition plan for the force. The policy, detailed in SPFI 36-2903, is a significant step in establishing the service's unique culture and visual identity.
Read more HERE.
This recall involves Morgan Lane Asher Pajama Sets, Style 816TR in Petal. The recalled children’s pajama sets are printed with tiny roses and have blue cotton piping and imitation mother-of-pearl buttons. The pajamas were sold in sizes 2T to 14. “MORGAN LANE” and “PURE COTTON” are printed on labels located in the neck and waistband, and “100% Cotton Made in India” is printed on the side seam label.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled children’s pajamas and contact Morgan Lane for a full refund. Consumers should cut the pajamas in half, take a photo of the destroyed garments, dispose of them and email the photo of the destroyed garments toinfo@morgan-lane.com to receive the refund.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold Online At: Morgan-Lane.com from March 2024 through May 2025 for about $80.
Retailer: Morgan Lane, LLC of New York, NY
Manufactured In: India
Recall number: 26-193
More information and photos HERE.
Application forms for the 2026 wool payments are now available on the FAS website. They can be found at the following link:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/wool-apparel-manufacturers-trust-fund
The wool forms are due March 1, 2026. This deadline is in the statute and cannot be extended.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") is considering Commercial Availability Request File Number PE2026001 for certain carded cashmere yarn.
January 15, 2026, Heartland Manufacturing Inc.,* Brentwood, New York, has been awarded a maximum $45,019,842 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for wool berets. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Jan. 14, 2031. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency.
*Small business
Each year, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support's Clothing & Textiles Directorate hosts the Joint Advanced Planning Brief for Industry (JAPBI). At the annual JAPBI, the Clothing & Textiles teams and our military service partners brief the industrial base on future requirements and business opportunities for clothing and individual equipment.
The 2025 JAPBI was postponed and will now be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2349 Marlton Pike West (Rt. 70W) in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 on March 2, 2026 through March 4, 2026. Check-in will begin on March 2nd from 4-7PM and on March 3rd from 7-9 AM. Presentations and sessions will be on March 3rd and March 4th.
See more information and registration materials HERE.
This bill extends through December 31, 2028, trade preferences that provide duty-free access to the U.S. market for most exports from eligible countries in sub-Saharan.
Section 112 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 outlined the treatment of certain textiles and apparel articles for AGOA.
The AGOA trade preference expired September 30, 2025.
See H.R.6500.
Agathon Associates clients can read more about AGOA at https://agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/agoa/index.htm, contact David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com to obtain your client password.
According a January 14, 2026, report in Air & Space Forces Magazine "The Space Force put Guardians on notice to purchase the service’s new physical training gear uniform by the end of January."
Read more about these wool uniforms HERE.
The Space Force service dress coat will be polyester and Lycra wool blend.
January 15, 2026, the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published in the Federal Register (91 FR 1754) Additions to and deletions from the Procurement List.
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is an independent Federal agency operating as the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. It oversees the AbilityOne Program, which provides employment opportunities through Federal contracts for people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the manufacture and delivery of products and services to the Federal Government. The Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (41 U.S.C. chapter 85) authorizes the contracts.
The following product is deleted from the Procurement List:
7920–01–215–6569—Cloth, Synthetic Shammy, Orange, 20′ x 23′
Since the beginning of his second term on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump has increased tariffs on U.S. imports from all global partners. To implement these tariffs, the President has cited authorities in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. §§1701 et seq.) and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232, 19 U.S.C. §1862, as amended). The Trump Administration has also initiated investigations under Section 232 which may result in additional sectoral tariffs. The Administration may also consider tariffs as a remedy for unfair trade practices under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Section 301, 19 U.S.C. §§2411-20).
Since announcing these tariff actions, the Administration has been in negotiations with some partners on tariff and nontariff matters, and some trade partners have announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports. Between April and December 2025, the Administration released 12 joint statements regarding framework agreements with partners on tariff issues (including with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and others) and also announced a series of temporary tariff truces with China. Negotiations with other partners are ongoing.
Table 1. Summary of U.S. Executive Tariff Actions
January 20, 2025-December 31, 2025
Source: CRS, compiled from official U.S. government documents.
Notes: TBD=to be determined. EU=European Union. Many 2025 tariff actions, with exceptions, are cumulative. Details may change due to bilateral trade deals not yet implemented or other policy changes. *For UK, EU, South Korea, and Japan, auto and timber rates include most-favored nation tariffs. UK auto rates include tariff-rate quota for vehicles.
Read more HERE.
Each year, DLA Troop Support's Clothing & Textiles Directorate hosts the Joint Advanced Planning Brief for Industry (JAPBI). At the annual JAPBI, the Clothing & Textiles teams and our military service partners brief the industrial base on future requirements and business opportunities for clothing and individual equipment. In addition to DLA Troop Support, there are presentations from each of the Services’ program office.
The 2025 JAPBI was postponed and will now be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2349 Marlton Pike West (Rt. 70W) in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 on March 2, 2026 through March 4, 2026. Check-in will begin on March 2nd from 4-7PM and on March 3rd from 7-9 AM. Presentations and sessions will be on March 3rd and March 4th.
Please review the following links which include JAPBI registration, speed dating registration, and the hotel’s reservation website. Any questions regarding JAPBI shall be sent to candtjapbispeeddating@gmail.com to ensure a timely response.
JAPBI EVENT REGISTRATION: The deadline for registering is Sunday, February 15, 2026. If you fail to register by this date there will be in person registration during the above listed dates/times. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980186307551?aff=oddtdtcreator.
SPEED DATING REGISTRATION: The deadline to register for speed dating is 13 days prior to the event. Below are the links for registering for a session:
PLEASE NOTE:
3HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Registering for the event itself is separate from hotel registration. To register for rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton, go to https://book.passkey.com/e/51145651 https://book.passkey.com/e/51145651
Please check the C&T website (https://www.dla.mil/Troop-Support/Clothing-and-Textiles/Industry-Support/Events/) one week prior to the event for a finalized agenda.
**JAPBI will be paperless this year**
United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer published an op-ed in The Financial Times explaining how President Trump’s trade program is accelerating America’s re-industrialization, incentivizing domestic production with improved market access for U.S. exports.
The year 2025 will be remembered as the year of the tariff, regardless of one’s economic ideology. International trade is neither good nor bad — it just is. The real question is whether trade patterns serve the national interest. For President Donald Trump and his administration, that means a trade policy that accelerates re-industrialisation.
Read more HERE.
Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms: There is no longer a requirement for all officers to maintain a full set of OCPs. Only those individuals performing assigned duties and mission requirements that necessitate OCPs must maintain a full set.
Bags: The new standardized list of colors for authorized bags includes solid black, brown, dark blue, olive drab green, and OCP-patterned. The full details on authorized bags are published here.
Watch cap: The watch cap may be worn during Oct. 1 to March 31, cold weather conditions, or as determined and approved by the installation commander. It will be solid black or coyote brown knit or fleece material and not include rank insignia. The black watch cap may be worn with Class A and B uniforms, OCPs, or PT gear. The coyote brown watch cap may be worn with the OCP uniform or PT gear.
Read more HERE.
The U.S. military relies on a domestic textile base that has declined sharply over the past several decades. Andrew Strohmetz of DLA Troop Support explains that the United States textile industry sustaining this supply chain has experienced a dramatic decline since the 1980s with an 81% drop in sector employment from 1979–2019. Traditional approaches in sourcing and production are struggling to keep pace with current and potential future demands, especially in large-scale operations.
A recent wargame revealed that, without standardization, the uniform supply chain could take up to 1.5 years to ramp up production to meet increased demand in a major contingency. In response, DLA collaborated with industry partners to develop a new hybrid combat uniform prototype.
Read more HERE.
This recall involves Julie and Judah pajama and lounge pants and shorts sold separately in various prints, including Fuzzy Heart, Gummy Bear, Star, Star Multi, Teddy Bear, Candy, Graffiti, Sprinkle, Smiley Flower, Shooting Star, Ribbon, Cloud, Boys Varsity Sports (pants only) and Boys Gaming (pants only). The pants were sold in sizes “S”, “M” and “L”. The shorts were sold in sizes “S” and “M”. “Julie and Judah” appear on the main label sewn into the pants and shorts.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the pajama pants and shorts and contact Marcus Adler Glove for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the pajama pants and shorts by cutting them as directed and permanently marking them with the word “Recall” and a unique identifier. Consumers will be asked to email a photo of the destroyed garment to info@julieandjudahaccessories.com. Upon receipt of the refund, consumers should dispose of the recalled product in the trash.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: Groove, J & S Kidswear, Just Between Friends, Mortons and Stella Mara stores nationwide and online at julieandjudahaccessories.com and marcusadlerny.com from March 2023 through May 2025 for between $16 and $36.
Importer(s): Marcus Adler Glove Co., of New York, New York
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-170
More information and photos HERE.
The U.S. Space Force' newest Guardians were the first trainees to wear the new service dress uniform for a basic military training graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Dec. 18, thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Clothing and Textiles supply chain.
Read more HERE.
Apparel goods of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), Chapter 62, cut or knit-to-shape and sewn or otherwise assembled in CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement) countries, utilizing materials from Mexico, as provided for in Chapter 98, Subchapter XXII, United States Note 21.
Read more HERE.
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced the American Products in Parks Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure all products for sale in National Park Service visitor centers and gift shops are American-made.
REad more HERE.
Commodity: Certain Cotton, Wool and Man-made Fiber textile products from Canada, as provided in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), Chapter 98 subchapter 23.
USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) contains quantitative restraints associated with a reduced duty rate for agricultural products that meet the requirements for a “qualifying good." A qualifying good is one that meets the product specific rule of origin; however, U.S. materials or inputs are of a non-party, i.e., U.S. materials are considered non-originating.
Read more HERE.
USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) contains quantitative restraints associated with a reduced duty rate for agricultural products that meet the requirements for a “qualifying good." A qualifying good is one that meets the product specific rule of origin; however, U.S. materials or inputs are of a non-party, i.e., U.S. materials are considered non-originating.
Raed more HERE.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection collected over $1 billion in duties on over 246 million low-cost shipments since the administration began phasing out de minimis in May 2025, recovering a record amount of revenue that had previously gone uncollected.
Read more HERE.
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), the nation's oldest livestock organization, has formally requested that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiate a global safeguard investigation into U.S. imports of lamb meat under Sections 201–202 of the Trade Act of 1974. ASI submitted this request on behalf of its 42 state associations and more than 100,000 farms and ranches
Read more HERE
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Thursday, January 01 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, January 19 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| Monday, February 16 * | Washington’s Birthday |
| Monday, May 25 | Memorial Day |
| Friday, June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Friday, July 03 ** | Independence Day |
| Monday, September 07 | Labor Day |
| Monday, October 12 | Columbus Day |
| Wednesday, November 11 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday, November 26 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Friday, December 25 | Christmas Day |
"I want you to know that whether you're wearing a uniform, coveralls or a suit, the work you're doing is important; it's patriotic and essential to our nation; it is a noble calling in a world that has forgotten what nobility looks like," said Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
Read more HERE.
In New York Ruling Letter (“NY”) K82923, CBP classified the jackets in subheading 6201.93, HTSUS, which provides for “[m]en’s or boys’ overcoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks, anoraks (including skijackets), windbreakers and similar articles (including padded, sleeveless jackets), other than those of heading 6203: Anoraks (including ski-jackets), windbreakers and similar articles (including padded, sleeveless jackets): Of man-made fibers.” CBP has reviewed NY K82923 and has determined the ruling letter to be in error. It is now CBP’s position that style #1222, Men’s Manticore Jacket, and style #1228, Men’s Sphinx Jacket are properly classified, in subheading 6210.20.50, HTSUS, which provides for “[g]arments, made up of fabrics of heading 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906 or 5907: Other garments, of the type described in heading 6201: Of man-made fibers: Other.”
More information at VOL. 59, NO. 49, begiing at pwge 60.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2021 and 2024, Melissa Cruz conspired with others to sell counterfeit clothing, luxury and designer handbags and purses, and jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks to customers across the U.S., some of which she imported from outside the U.S. She used Facebook to conduct live shows during which she showcased, advertised, and sold the counterfeit goods. In total, Cruz and her co-conspirators made more than $4 million in gross sales for the counterfeit merchandise through various electronic peer-to-peer payment services including CashApp, Paypal, and Venmo.
Read more HERE.
This recall involves SKCAIHT-branded Mermaid costumes. The children’s recalled costumes consist of a dress and a matching headband. The glittery dress has a blue, purple and pink fabric skirt and a knit purple strapless top with a white starfish and other sea-themed embellishments. The headband has white ears with blue seashells, pink starfish and a mermaid tail. The costumes were sold in children’s size XL.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled costumes and take them away from children. Contact SKCAIHT Direct for a full refund. Consumers should cut the dress and submit a photo of the destroyed costume to pafiney@outlook.com.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold Online At: Amazon.com from March 2022 through July 2025 for about $30.
Retailer: Yiwu Qiangyao E-Commerce Co., Ltd., dba SKCAIHT Direct, of China
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-140
More information and photos HERE
On December 11, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (90 FR 57519) Request for Comments and Notice of a Public Hearing Regarding the 2026 Special 301 Review.
4Each year, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) conducts a review to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. Based on this review, the U.S. Trade Representative determines which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. USTR requests written comments that identify acts, policies, or practices that may form the basis of a country’s identification as a Priority Foreign Country or placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List.
DATES: January 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of written comments, hearing statements, and notices of intent to appear at the hearing from the public.
December 15, 2025,Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries,** Corbin, Kentucky, has been awarded a maximum $14,312,903 modification (P00008) to a five-year contract (SPE1C1-24-D-N017) with no option periods adding various boonie covers via conversion. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is June 17, 2029. Using military services are Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 22, 2025, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc., doing business as IFB Solutions,* Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $35,371,688 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fire resistant environment ensemble intermediate weather outer layer jacket in the operational camouflage pattern. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 22, 2029. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-B003).
December 22, 2025, Propper International Inc., Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $48,380,842 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for flame resistant pants. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 22, 2026. Using military service is Department of Agriculture. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-0008).
December, 23, 2025, Cottonwood Inc.,** Lawrence, Kansas, has been awarded a maximum $44,370,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for aircraft cargo tie down straps. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(5), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 8.7. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is Dec. 22, 2030. Using military services are Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4A7-26-D-0044).
**Mandatory source
December 29, 2025, Excel Garment Manufacturing Ltd.,* El Paso, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $47,552,400 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for improved flame-resistant coveralls. This was a competitive acquisition with eight responses received. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 24, 2029. Using military services are Air Force and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-0017).
*Small business
December 31, 2025, ICF Mercantile LLC,* Warren, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SP8000-26-F-0008) issued against an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (SP8000-26-D-0005) for aerospace grade rayon fiber. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(3)(A), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-3. This is a three-year delivery order. The delivery order end date is Dec. 30, 2028. Using military services are Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 transaction funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office, Columbus, Ohio.
*Small business
