President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Kevin Burke and a number of members of the US Congress have introduced the Affordable Footwear Act, a new bill that aims to eliminate high import tariffs on children's and lower-to-moderately-priced shoes in the USA.

According to the AAFA, US import tariffs on footwear, established in 1930 to protect a manufacturing industry that no longer exists, cost US footwear companies $1.9 billion in 2006, which are then passed on to the consumer, thus affecting low- and middle-income families.

In some cases, the import tariff is said to comprise nearly 40% of the retail price tag on lower cost shoes, whilst expensive luxury shoes enter the country under low duties, with many entering duty free.

"The elimination of this unfair 'shoe tax' is long over due," said Mr Burke. "AAFA is proud that the footwear industry is coming together with members of Congress to introduce the Affordable Footwear Act, which will have a direct, positive impact on American families by lowering the price of shoes—something everyone buys."