AAFA welcomes renewed Burma import ban

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has welcomed the renewal of a total ban on US imports from Burma – and called on President Obama to ratify it as soon as possible.

The US Senate has voted to renew the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, which had been due to expire next Monday (26 July).

The ban, originally introduced in response to human rights abuses in the Asian country, will now be extended for at least another year.

“It sends the right message that the United States is not interested in doing business with oppressive regimes,” said AAFA president and CEO Kevin Burke.

“I now call on President Barack Obama to sign the renewal before the ban expires.”