Last US Sneaker Manufacturer (New Balance) Wants To Maintain Balance In New Trade Pact

[Purveyor]

By Vicki Needham - 03/10/12 01:51 PM ET

The last U.S. manufacturer of athletic shoes is working with a coalition of lawmakers to convince trade officials to preserve footwear duties in an Asia-Pacific agreement that they say will allow them to continue operating on American soil.

New Balance, which still produces about 25 percent or 7 million pairs of shoes here, and a group of New England lawmakers are insistent that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) maintain about 20 duties they argue will protect five U.S. factories from closing and moving overseas — three in Maine and two in Massachusetts.

The push comes amid opposition within the footwear industry, which operates largely outside the United States, and wants to see the tariffs on shoes either eliminated or phased-out within the trade agreement.

"We're not asking for special treatment," Matt LeBretton, who heads up the government affairs team at New Balance, told The Hill.

MORE...

http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/international-taxes/215307-last-us-shoe-manufacturer-wants-to-maintain-balance-in-new-trade-pact

[xxqqqzme]

1. I don't even want to

guess how this will be resolved - who has more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to contribute to which campaign?

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

2. I was surprised to read,

when I put on my new New Balance shoes just last week, that the pair I had were made in China! If I'd known that, I'd of bought the American made ones. So the lesson is, not ALL of the NB shoes are made here...........

[Purveyor]

4. I didn't know that either. I'm about to get a new pair so I'll be on the lookout. eom

[madokie]

3. My nurse wife loves her New Balance shoes

She's about them like I used to be about my RedWings work boots.