Shoe industry seeks repeal of import tax

Shoe industry seeks repeal of import tax Footwear makers and retailers asked Congress last week to make footwear more affordable by repealing a long-standing import tax on shoes.
   The footwear industry urged lawmakers to include the Affordable Footwear Act as part of a larger economic stimulus bill expected to be considered after the Nov. 4 elections.
   The shoe tax was established in the 1930s to protect domestic manufacturers from cheaper imports and can add as much as 30 percent or more to the retail price of shoes. U.S. footwear plants relocated overseas despite the tariff and today more than 99 percent of all shoes sold in America are imported, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association.
   The Affordable Footwear Act will not eliminate the shoe tax on the few types of shoes still produced in the United States.
   Almost 50 companies representing dozens of brands and retailers signed a letter saying the tariff reduction would help families cope with the uncertain economic situation since the tax is disproportionately higher on children’s shoes and low-cost footwear.
   The legislation has the support of one-third of the House and 14 Senate co-sponsors.