US manufacturers should focus on tanks, tech, AI, not textiles: Trump
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey, Trump said he agreed with the recent remark by treasury secretary Scott Bessent that the United States does not necessarily need a 'booming textile industry'. The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) had criticised Bessent's comments.
US tariff policy aims at promoting domestic manufacturing of tanks and technology products, not sneakers and T-shirts, President Donald Trump said yesterday. He agreed with treasury secretary Scott Bessent's remark that the US does not necessarily need a 'booming textile industry'. "We're not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment….big things…AI thing," he said.
"We're not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things. We want to make, do the AI thing," Trump said.
"I'm not looking to make T-shirts, to be honest. I'm not looking to make socks. We can do that very well in other locations. We are looking to do chips and computers and lots of other things, and tanks and ships," Trump was quoted as saying by global newswires.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) responded by saying that that tariffs are not good for the industry.
"With 97 per cent of the clothes and shoes we wear being imported, and with clothes and shoes already the most highly tariffed industry in the US, we need to focus on common sense solutions that can move the needle," AAFA president Steve Lamar said in a statement.
"More tariffs will only mean higher input costs for US manufacturers and higher prices that will hurt lower income consumers," he noted.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
20 minutes ago
- First Post
Is Trump hiding the big cost of renovating 'free' Air Force One from Qatar?
The announcement that Qatar would be giving Donald Trump a 'free' Air Force One was already the subject of much controversy. Many had questions about the ethics of such a transaction, while others expressed concerns about security and the potential cost needed to upgrade such a plane to meet the needs of the US president. Now, a new report is shedding light on the possible expenditure read more A Boeing 747 belonging to Qatar sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump toured the aircraft on Feb. 15. (Photo: AFP) Is Donald Trump trying to hide the cost of renovating the 'free' Air Force One? The announcement that Qatar would be giving the US president a free Boeing 747 worth $400 million was already the subject of much controversy. Many had questions about the ethics of such a transaction. Others expressed concerns about security and the potential cost needed to upgrade such a plane to meet the needs of the US president. Now, It seems the latter is set to explode in Trump's face. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development comes even as Trump spars with Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell over the costs of renovating the central bank's Washington headquarters. But what happened? What do we know? Let's take a closer look: What happened? The cost of renovating the Qatar plane remains unknown. The aircraft is currently parked in San Antonio. 'Officially, and conveniently, the price tag has been classified. But even by Washington standards, where 'black budgets' are often used as an excuse to avoid revealing the cost of outdated spy satellites and lavish end-of-year parties, the reasoning behind hiding the cost is inventive', The New York Times noted. However, a $934 million transfer of funds in the Pentagon budget has come under the scanner. It refers to an unnamed, classified project. The piece noted that no one wants to discuss the figure. 'Congressional budget sleuths have come to think that amount, slipped into an obscure Pentagon document sent to Capitol Hill as a 'transfer' to an unnamed classified project, almost certainly includes the renovation' of the jet that has been described as a 'palace in the sky',' the newspaper noted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The funds were shifted from a budget carved out for upgrading the US' ground-based nuclear missiles. Air Force officials have said some of the funds for renovating the plane will be pulled from this budget. Ironically, the plane will not be ready for Trump's use anytime soon. The plane's communication systems, engines need to be improved. The Boeing plane also needs to be fitted with antimissile systems. US agencies will also have to check for any spy equipment Qatar may have put in the plane. US President Donald Trump talks with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Reuters The plane will also need to be redecorated to match Trump's golden tastes. In all, the 'renovations' could take another year or two – by which time Trump will be getting ready to leave office. Trump has claimed that the plane will be transferred to his presidential library in 2029. Trump as president is barred from accepting gifts from outside entities, including foreign governments and even members of Congress. Article I of the Constitution states that no president shall accept a gift or emolument from a 'King, Prince, or foreign State,' without Congress' permission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'They knew about it because they buy Boeings, they buy a lot of Boeings, and they knew about it, and they said, we would like to do something,' Trump said. 'And if we can get a 747 as a contribution to our Defense Department to use during a couple of years while they're building the other ones, I think that was a very nice gesture'. Qatar's offer Qatar's offer came after Trump repeatedly complained of delays and cost overruns in aerospace giant Boeing's contract to provide two new Air Force One jets to replace the current aging models. The development came after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Qatari counterpart Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani earlier in July signed an agreement lying out the terms of the 'unconditional donation'. 'This donation is made in good faith and in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support between the parties,' the document states. 'Nothing in this MoU is, or shall be interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It states that the donation is 'not connected or otherwise related to any governmental decision and, as such, is not made, offered, promised or accepted because of any past, present or future official act or decision and is not intended to obtain or retain any improper advantage or to influence any official decision'. US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One. Boeing has spent years stripping down and rebuilding two 747s to replace the versions that have carried presidents for more than three decades. The project is slated to cost more than $5.3 billion and may not be finished before Trump leaves office. A 2021 report made public through the Freedom of Information Act outlines the unclassified requirements for the replacement 747s under construction. At the top of the list — survivability and communications. The government decided more than a decade ago that the new planes had to have four engines so they could remain airborne if one or two fail, said Deborah Lee James, who was Air Force secretary at the time. That creates a challenge because 747s are no longer manufactured, which could make spare parts harder to come by. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Air Force One also has to have the highest level of classified communications, anti-jamming capabilities and external protections against foreign surveillance, so the president can securely command military forces and nuclear weapons during a national emergency. It's an extremely sensitive and complex system, including video, voice and data transmissions. Trump previously said it would be 'stupid' not to accept the gift from Qatar. 'It's a great gesture,' the 78-year-old billionaire told reporters at the White House when asked if the oil-rich Gulf state would expect anything in exchange. 'I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person (and) say 'no we don't want a free, very expensive airplane.'' Ironically, the developments come as Trump is at odds with Powell, the chief of the Fed he has long wanted to fire. Powell, who is operates independently, has refused to tow the president's line when it comes to interest rates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has also slammed the president's tariff policies, which has infuriated Trump. Trump, who has repeatedly mused about firing Powell, may use the renovations of the Federal Reserve building in Washington as an excuse to fire the Fed chief. However, firing Powell could lead to the stock market melting down and investors fleeing for the hills. With inputs from agencies
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20 minutes ago
- Business Standard
US visa update: B1/B2 interview waiver window cut from 48 to 12 months
Come September 2, 2025, the United States will implement new rules narrowing who can skip the in-person visa interview process. The updated policy will mostly affect travellers renewing B1/B2 visas (those issued for business and tourism), the US government said in a press release. Until now, applicants whose visas had expired within the past 48 months could apply for a renewal without attending an interview. That grace period will be reduced to 12 months under the new rules, as per revised guidance from the US Department of State. Current policy till September 1, 2025): From September 2, 2025): The eligibility window is reduced drastically: only those whose previous B1/B2 visa expired within the past 12 months can apply without an interview. What this means: — Fewer people will now qualify for dropbox or waiver processing. — More applicants will be required to appear for in-person interviews at consulates, increasing appointment demand and wait The change will mean many more applicants will now need to schedule in-person appointments at US consulates, potentially straining already stretched visa processing systems in countries like India. Notably, in 2023, over 700,000 B1/B2 (visitor) visa applications were processed for Indians by the US. More face-to-face interviews ahead For applicants used to the 'dropbox' route, this update could be a setback. The dropbox facility allowed people renewing certain visa types to simply submit documents without visiting a consulate. With the new 12-month expiry rule, only a smaller subset of applicants will now qualify. The policy also grants US consular officers the discretion to call any applicant for an interview, regardless of eligibility under the waiver programme. Fewer waivers, more checks The B1/B2 category isn't the only one impacted. Students on F-1 visas and professionals on H-1B will also be asked to appear in person if their previous visa expired over 12 months ago—even if they previously qualified for a waiver. Still, some categories remain eligible for interview waivers, including: Children under 14 Adults over 79 Applicants for diplomatic and official visas such as A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, NATO, and TECRO E-1 Applicants renewing diplomatic or official visas Mexican nationals with a Border Crossing Card/Foil, or applicants for B1/B2 visas applying from their country of residence without any past visa refusals or apparent ineligibility, may also be considered for a waiver. New Visa Integrity Fee to be charged Earlier this month, the Trump administration rolled out a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 (around Rs 21,700). This fee applies to all non-immigrant visa categories and is collected at the time of visa approval—not during application. The Department of State has said the fee applies to most major categories including tourist (B-2), business (B-1), student (F, M), work (H-1B), and exchange visitor (J) visas. 'There are no exemptions for these groups. The fee will be adjusted every year based on inflation,' said a consular note issued to applicants.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
20 minutes ago
- First Post
Gaza: 34 killed in Israel's strikes day after it eased food aid restrictions
Israel has restricted aid to varying degrees throughout the war. In March, it cut off the entry of all goods, including fuel, food and medicine, to pressure Hamas to free hostages read more Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip, Sunday, July 27, 2025. AP Israeli strikes killed at least 34 Palestinians in multiple locations across Gaza on Monday, local health officials said, a day after Israel eased aid restrictions in the face of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory. Israel announced Sunday that the military would pause operations in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Muwasi for 10 hours a day until further notice to allow for the improved flow of aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where concern over hunger has grown, and designate secure routes for aid delivery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel said it would continue military operations alongside the new humanitarian measures. The Israeli military had no immediate comment about the latest strikes, which occurred outside the time frame for the pause Israel declared would be held between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Aid agencies have welcomed the new aid measures, which also included allowing airdrops into Gaza, but said they were not enough to counter the rising hunger in the Palestinian territory. Images of emaciated children have sparked outrage around the world, including from Israel's close allies. U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called the images of emaciated and malnourished children in Gaza 'terrible.' Israel has restricted aid to varying degrees throughout the war. In March, it cut off the entry of all goods, including fuel, food and medicine, to pressure Hamas to free hostages. Israel partially lifted those restrictions in May but also pushed ahead on a new U.S.-backed aid delivery system that has been wracked by chaos and violence. Traditional aid providers also have encountered a similar breakdown in law and order surrounding their aid deliveries. Most of Gaza's population now relies on aid. Accessing food has become a challenge that some Palestinians have risked their lives for. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Awda hospital in central Gaza said it received the bodies of seven Palestinians who it said were killed Monday by Israeli fire close to an aid distribution site run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The hospital said 20 others were wounded close to the site. Elsewhere, a woman who was seven months pregnant was killed along with 11 others after their house was struck in the Muwasi area, west of the southern city of Khan Younis. The woman's fetus survived after a complex surgery, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. One strike hit a two-story house in the western Japanese neighborhood of Khan Younis, killing at least 11 people, more than half of them women and children, said the Nasser Hospital, which received the casualties. The Israeli military and GHF did not immediately respond to a request for comment on those strikes. In its Oct. 7, 2023, attack, Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. It still holds 50, more than half Israel believes to be dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 59,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians, but the ministry says over half of the dead are women and children. The ministry operates under the Hamas government. The U.N. and other international organizations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.
