AAFA-FLA Urge US Government to Address Forced Labor at Home

On July 6, 2026, just within two days of America's national birthday of liberty, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) submitted comments as part of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) Section 301 investigation on forced labor urging the U.S. government to address U.S. government-sponsored forced labor (i.e. FPI/Unicor) in the United States and restore critical funding to fight forced labor abroad.

DR-CAFTA Dobby Weave Fabric Short Supply

On July 14, 2026, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (FR 43088) Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’).

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (‘‘CITA’’) has determined that certain double weave polyester/spandex fabric, as specified below, 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.

Specifications: Certain Double Weave Polyester/Spandex Fabric

    HTS: 5407.52.20.40; 5407.72.00.15
    Fabric Type: Woven--Double Weave
    Fiber Content (AATCC 20A): Polyester 88-92%, Spandex 8-12%
    Yarn Size:
    Warp Yarn: 45-55 Denier/144 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized + 15-25 
Denier Spandex Textured Filament
    Weft Yarn 1: 45-55 Denier/72 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized + 15-25 
Denier Spandex Textured Filament
    Weft Yarn 2: 145-155 Denier/96 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized
    Weave Type: Woven, Double Weave Dobby
    Thread Count (ASTM D3775): 66-72 warp ends x 70-78 filling picks
    Fabric Weight (g/m2) (ASTM D3776): 159-169 g/m2
    Width (cuttable) (ASTM D3774):
    Metric: 124.5-139.7 cm
    English: 49-55 inches
    Stretch (%) (ASTM D3107):
    Warp: 20.4% (10%-30%)
    Weft: 18% (8%-28%)
    Stretch Direction: Four-way stretch
    Finish (AATCC 197): Quick Dry (Wicking)
    Dye Type: Piece dye of various colors
    Shrinkage (AATCC 135): +/- 5%

Cost Estimate: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

On June 26, 2026, the Congressional Budget Office released Cost Estimate: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.

Senate Democrats Block NDAA

On July 14, 2026, Senate Democrats blocked movement on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2027 over their objection to the conduct of the war in Iran.

Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement sending a clear message that "Congress cannot look away as Trump extends an unauthorized war, defies bipartisan majorities in both chambers, keeps the American people in the dark about its cost, mission, and endgame."

USTR Call for Investigation of Lamb Meat Imports

On July 13, 2026, Ambassador Jamiedon Greer requested that the United States International Trade Commission (Commission) promptly initiate an investigation under section 202 of the Trade Act to determine whether lamb meat is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or the threat thereof, to the domestic industry producing like or directly competitive products.

See Ambasssador Greer's letter to the USITC HERE.

A shoe factory fire that killed 28 highlights China’s persisting worker safety risks

July 10, 2026, Authorities were investigating a blaze at a shoe factory in southeastern China’s Fujian province that killed 28 people, raising renewed concern over worker safety.

Read more at the Associated Press.

AAFA Publishes Industry Glossary of Traceability Terms

July 3, 2026, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published for the first time The Global Apparel, Footwear, & Accessories Glossary of Traceability Terms. The glossary is intended to provide a common reference point for terminology used across the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry by defining key traceability-related terms and addressing terminology that may appear in existing or emerging regulations. This resource aims to promote clarity, consistency, and shared understanding across the global supply chain.