Global garment manufacturers have jointly called on US brands and retailers to uphold responsible purchasing practices as fresh tariffs imposed by the United States threaten to destabilise the industry.

In a statement issued Monday, key manufacturing associations including the International Apparel Federation (IAF), the Sustainable Textiles of the Asian Region (STAR) Network, and the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI) expressed concern over the latest round of tariffs, which come into effect on August 7.

The levies, ranging between 15% and 25%, will apply to most apparel imports from major producing countries. Although lower than the previously announced rates in April, they still represent a sharp rise in costs for manufacturers operating on thin margins.

“Tariffs hurt everyone, including Americans,” the groups said in a joint statement, warning that the added cost pressure would not revive US manufacturing but would raise clothing prices for consumers and hit low-income households the hardest.

The industry groups urged buyers to maintain commitments to responsible purchasing practices—such as fair payment terms, transparent order planning, and the avoidance of last-minute cancellations or retroactive discounts—especially during times of heightened uncertainty.

They warned that the added tariffs risk undermining environmental and labour reforms, reversing progress made in areas like living wages and factory safety, and could lead to job losses and factory closures in sourcing countries.

Suppliers, they noted, are ill-equipped to absorb sudden cost increases of up to 40%, drawing parallels with the disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.