AATCC announces corporate membership updates, new student chapters

September 15, 2025  |  Industry News

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has announced new updates and expansions to its corporate membership offerings. Corporate membership levels include a wide range of educational, marketing and discount benefits. In May, the AATCC Board of Directors approved updates t…
Consumer confidence slips in August

September 12, 2025  |  Industry News, News

U.S. consumer confidence slipped in August, according to the latest report released Aug. 27 by The Conference Board. The August Consumer Confidence Index® headline index fell 1.3 points to 97.4, down from 98.7 in July. The Present Situation Index declined to 131.2, while the Expectations Index dr…
Minnesota judge disapproves PFAS reporting and fees proposed rule

September 11, 2025  |  Industry News, News

Jim Mortenson, a Minnesota Administrative Law Judge, issued a report Aug. 28 on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s proposed rule on reporting PFAS in products and associated fees. The judge stated his disapproval of the proposed rule due to the agency’s “failure to assess the cumulative …
President Trump issues tariff rate modifications

September 6, 2025  |  Industry News, News

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued further modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), effective Mon., Sept. 8. The changes were issued in the Sept. 5 Executive Order “Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade…
India extends import duty exemption on cotton until December

September 6, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The Indian government announced Aug. 28 that the country will extend its import duty exemption on cotton until Dec. 31. Previously, the exemption was to be in effect until ⁠Sept. 30. The exemption reduces the import duty on cotton from 11% to 0%. The decision was informed by the Indian Central Boa…
U.S. Department of Commerce adds 407 product categories to steel and aluminum tariffs

August 20, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Aug. 19 that 407 product categories will be added to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by Section 232 tariffs. The steel and aluminum content of these products will be subject to a duty rate of 50%. Product categories a…
President Trump extends pause on China tariff rate for 90 days

August 13, 2025  |  Industry News, News

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Aug. 11 that the tariff on Chinese imports will remain at the same rate—30%—for an additional 90 days. China’s 10% tariff on American imports will also stay at the same rate. The announcement was made shortly before the U.S. tariff on Chinese imports w…
Seshadri Ramkumar receives Lifetime Achievement Award

August 6, 2025  |  Industry News

Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., a professor at Texas Tech University (TTU), received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Science Monitor. The foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to science and technology. Ramkumar was recognized for his wor…