Statement of the American Apparel Manufacturers
Association Submitted to the Chairman, Free Trade Area of the Americas Committee of
Government Representatives On Civil Society
· The American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is the central trade association
in the United States for manufacturers of apparel. AAMA has been a strong advocate of
previous trade liberalization efforts such as the Uruguay Round Agreements, and supports
the current Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) process.
· Production sharing arrangements with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere have
allowed the U.S. apparel industry to remain competitive in a global marketplace, while
providing important developmental opportunities for neighboring countries.
· Trade liberalization under the FTAA should be comprehensive - implemented on a level
plane across industries - with no carve-outs for individual industries.
· Harmonization and simplification of international trade processes - especially customs
procedures - is a key element of trade liberalization under the FTAA.
· FTAA countries should implement the proposed business facilitation measures prior to
the November 1999 ministerial meeting.
· Labeling requirements for garments should be harmonized and simplified to the greatest
extent possible.
· Negotiations on labor and environmental standards have a place in FTAA negotiations,
but only as they strictly relate to trade.
· The creation of the FTAA will provide significant benefits to the U.S. apparel industry
and its hemispheric counterparts.
Thank you for providing an opportunity to submit comments in connection with the
negotiation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
The American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is the national trade association
for the U.S. apparel industry and its suppliers. AAMA is the central trade association for
apparel manufacturers in the United States. Our members are responsible.
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