Prominent industry groups have jointly called for a "visionary, confident and proactive trade agenda" in a letter to the Financial Times editor, stressing the importance of US-allied cooperation in promoting democratic values and tackling global challenges.

In a display of unity, a coalition of industry associations and trade groups have penned an open letter to the editor of the Financial Times, urging the US and its allies to adopt a bold and forward-looking trade agenda.

Signatories include representatives from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the US Fashion Industry Association and ACT .

The letter comes in response to US Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s recent opinion piece called “Trade must transform its role in the social contract” in the FT, which painted a grim picture of the global trading system.

The signatories, however, argue that this perspective overlooks the substantial benefits that trade brings to workers, consumers, and economies worldwide.

“Trade is linked with higher-paying jobs, increased living standards, upward mobility, and reduced inflation, benefiting both workers and consumers at home and globally,” the letter asserts, emphasising the vital role of trade in promoting supply chain resilience, and security through engagement with allies.

“Trade is linked with higher-paying jobs, increased living standards, upward mobility, and reduced inflation, benefiting both workers and consumers at home and globally,” the letter asserts, emphasising the vital role of trade in promoting supply chain resilience, and security through engagement with allies.

By Just Style