NEW YORK, June 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridal gown and special occasion trade organizations unite to oppose the listing of wedding and social occasion attire on the Section 301 list released May 13 by the United States Trade Representative. The proposed tariff on this bridal attire segment would increase consumer costs, damage the US bridal industry, and put jobs and consumer confidence at risk resulting in economic consequences for decades to come. Organizations representing US bridal retail and manufacturing include: the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association, Better Bridal Group, International Bridal Manufacturers Association, National Bridal Retailers Association, National Bridal Sale Event, Vows Magazine, and the International Formalwear Association.
"These tariffs could represent a "dire event" as we have such limited time and locations to relocate production. Ruining the 2.5 million weddings, all the proms and other happy events in the country would be such an unjustified price to pay," states Stephen Lang, President, American Bridal and Prom Industry Association. Adding a 25% tariff in addition to the already 16% duty required on these dress imports will significantly increase prices and hurt American families celebrating cherished lifetime moments ? a wedding, prom, graduation, birthday or anniversary.
"Supporting women whether they are our customers, employees, designers or part of our local community, is the core mission of our family owned business. We cannot meet the needs of our customers with exorbitant price increases due to the tariffs, which will negatively affect our ability to run a business that supports the women we employ, and the charities we contribute to each year," Lynn Crandall, Owner, The Bridal Collection (Denver, CO).
The tariffs on US imports from China undermine US manufacturers as components and expertise for intricately made garments is not economically available in the US.
Adding a tariff to these imports only widens the door for duty-free counterfeit goods from China, defeating the purpose of the Administration's intention.
Adding the tariff will only exacerbate this very real problem and give Chinese corporate counterfeiters and copyright violators the advantage while harming our American industry.
All seven organizations respectfully urge the Administration to reconsider the tariff on bridal gown and special occasion attire to avoid an irreversible consequence for our industry and American families.
Bruce Campbell, President International Bridal Manufacturers Assoc. https://bridalbeware.com
Stephen Lang, President - American Bridal and Prom Industry Assoc. https://www.abpia.org
Sue Maslowski, Founder - National Bridal Sale Event https://www.nationalbridalsaleevent.com
Ann Campeau, Director - National Bridal Retailers Assoc. https://www.nationalbridalretailersassociation.com
Michelle McFarland, President - Better Bridal Group https://www.betterbridalgroup.com
Peter Grimes, Publisher - Vows Magazine https://www.vowsmagazine.com
Kellie Burch, Director - International Formalwear Assoc./Select Independent Formalwear Assoc. https://www.formalwear.org
SOURCE International Bridal Manufacturers Association