AAFA appeals for tariff reduction for Brazilian footwear
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has testified at a hearing of the Office of the US Trade Representatives, which has proposed a new 25% tariff on various Brazilian products.
Beth Hughes, AAFA’s vice-president of trade and customs policy, told the commitee additional tariffs would add to an already disproportionate burden, increasing costs for US companies and American families.
In 2025, US companies paid nearly $61 million in tariffs on footwear imported from Brazil. Footwear faced an average tariff rate of 23%, compared with 7.8% across all imported products.
Almost three quarters of Brazil’s shoe exports to the US are leather, valued at $157.7 million, or 5.66 million pairs, last year.
“Adding tariffs on Brazilian footwear – or even creating uncertainty about additional tariffs – risks shifting sourcing to other countries where trade concerns are even more significant,” added Ms Huges. “That outcome would do little to address the underlying issues this investigation seeks to resolve.
“Continued uncertainty surrounding tariff policy makes these challenges even greater. It disrupts sourcing decisions, undermines long-term business planning and increases costs throughout the supply chain.”
A decision is expected this week.
