Dec 8, 2023 - Economy

How tariffs on clothing discriminate against women

Emily Peck

Illustration of a dress on a hanger with a dollar sign on top — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

U.S. tariffs on women's clothing are higher than on men's clothing, finds a new analysis from a former U.S. trade official.

Why it matters: It's an illustration of how gender discrimination can get embedded into policy — in this case in the taxes the federal government tacks on to imported goods.

By the numbers: The report, by Ed Gresser, a vice president at the Progressive Policy Institute, finds the average U.S. tariff rate for men's clothing is 13.6%, compared with 16.7% for women's.

The tariff burden on women's apparel was $2.77 billion more than on men's clothing in 2015, according to a paper from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Gresser says it's likely grown since then.

Zoom out: Gresser's analysis follows his earlier report that focused on women's underwear — tariff rates there are 15% compared to 11.5% for men.

Meanwhile: Taxes on menstrual products are also an issue.

Go deeper: The "pink tax" on underwear

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How tariffs on clothing discriminate against women

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