The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have responded positively to the newly announced U.S.–EU trade framework, highlighting the importance of the deal for the fashion and apparel industry. Both organizations emphasized that the inclusion of a non-stacking tariff provision marks a crucial achievement for brands, retailers, and consumers.

Under the new framework, a 15 percent reciprocal tariff will be applied, but it will not be added on top of the already high Most-Favored Nation (MFN) rates. This measure helps prevent excessive cost burdens on U.S. businesses and consumers while ensuring a more balanced and competitive trade environment.

AAFA President and CEO Steven Lamar and CFDA President Steven Kolb jointly expressed gratitude to President Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the negotiating teams for securing this outcome. They underscored that avoiding tariff stacking provides much-needed predictability for companies navigating global supply chains and allows the industry to continue supporting more than 10 million U.S. jobs in design, manufacturing, distribution, and retail.

The two associations also urged that non-stacking principles should serve as a model for future trade agreements, ensuring that apparel, footwear, and accessory businesses remain resilient while protecting consumer affordability. By reducing trade friction, the framework is expected to strengthen transatlantic ties and give fashion companies greater flexibility to invest in sustainability, innovation, and long-term growth.