26 May Footwear Industry Welcomes USTR to US Shoe Factory
Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) President Matt Priest made the following statement today, following the visit of Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Deputy United States Trade Representative, to Wolverine Worldwide’s factory in Big Rapids, Michigan:
“Today was a great opportunity to showcase the entire U.S. footwear supply chain with the visit of Deputy United States Trade Representative Robert Holleyman to Wolverine Worlwide’s factory in Big Rapids, Michigan. Wolverine is a 21st century innovative footwear company that remains committed to U.S. manufacturing but is also supportive of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). In March, Wolverine joined the majority of domestic footwear manufacturers in voicing strong support for TPP in a letter to the Obama administration, explaining how the significant savings provided by this free trade agreement would help strengthen domestic manufacturing. With Ambassador Holleyman’s visit today we have been able to highlight important aspects of our global industry, and we are hopeful that Members of Congress and especially those who represent Michigan will see the strong benefits that TPP will provide to Michigan workers and consumers.”
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is estimated to save the footwear industry $500 million in year one of implementation and $6 billion over the first decade. For more information, please click here.
FDRA is the footwear industry’s voice in Washington. In all, it supports over 130 companies and 250 brands, or 80% of total U.S. footwear sales, making it America’s largest and most respected footwear trade association.