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HotPix 2010
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Manufacturers and apparel importers have both praised a new act which selectively reduces import tariffs to help cut input costs for US companies.
The American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) and the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) have found rare common ground in welcoming the passage of HR 4380, the US Manufacturing Enhancement Act.
The act, also known as the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), combines dozens of individual bills that temporarily suspend duties on certain imported goods.
The aim is to cut costs for US companies by reducing duty levels on materials either not made domestically, or where there is no direct US competition.
AMTAC quoted as an example provisions for a significant reduction in costs associated with various synthetic, acrylic and rayon staple fibres and filaments – a long-standing issue for US manufacturers.
The act, passed by the US House of Representatives, was given a swift passage since its predecessor had expired on 1 January this year, leading to an increase in production costs for US companies emerging from recession.
AMTAC executive director Auggie Tantillo described the MTB as “a vital cost reduction measure for many US manufacturers that boosts jobs and domestic production”.
The AAFA calculates that nearly 50 provisions in the act will directly benefit the US textile, apparel and footwear industries.
“It is clear our economy is on the verge of recovery,” said AAFA president and CEO Kevin Burke.
“Opportunities stemming from the US Manufacturing Enhancement Act could be just the boost our economy needs to start creating and sustaining jobs here at home, while providing cost-saving benefits to hard-working American families.”
