United States Fashion Industry Association

Company Profile

USFIA remains the fashion industry's trade-policy voice in Washington: it publishes its annual Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study with the University of Delaware, runs sourcing and compliance committees and events, and advocates on issues from tariff policy and trade preference programs such as AGOA to customs and sustainability rules. As an association rather than a seller of products, it carries no shop box; its official site, linked above, carries its current publications, events and membership information.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., USFIA is one of the most respected voices for the fashion industry in front of the U.S. government as well as international governments and stakeholders. With constant, two-way communication, its staff and counsel serve as the eyes and ears of its members in Washington and around the world, enabling them to stay ahead of the regulatory challenges of today and tomorrow. Through publications, educational events and networking opportunities, USFIA also connects key stakeholders across the value chain, including U.S. and international service providers, suppliers and industry groups.

About the Name Change

A short history note explains the shorter name. The association was formerly the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel. As the industry globalized and new challenges arrived almost weekly, the association evolved with its members - but its brand, logo and mission statement had not changed in over two decades. In 2013, one of its major projects was rebranding to communicate its purpose more clearly; the new brand was developed over ten months with input from members and a trusted network across the value chain who took part in comprehensive interviews. The result was the United States Fashion Industry Association name used today.

The Industry It Represents

The phrase 'the fashion industry' may call to mind Fashion Week, designers and photo shoots - but in an era of global trade, the runways are only one part of a broader textile and apparel industry that runs from high-end luxury brands to value retailers and the thousands of companies in between producing and selling clothing, shoes and other textile products. It includes professionals across the value chain, in roles from design and development to sourcing and logistics, trade policy and compliance, retail and marketing - and USFIA aims to assist members at each level. Its members and affiliates include brands, retailers, importers and wholesalers of textiles and apparel, plus service providers such as consultants, customs brokers, freight forwarders, law firms, logistics providers, steamship lines and testing and certification companies, and manufacturers and suppliers of finished products and inputs.