New Balance will co-host news conference in DC tomorrow

In light of ongoing negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership and changes to U.S. trade policy, New Balance and RPFMA (Rubber and Plastic Footwear Manufacturers Association) will discuss the importance of supporting U.S. jobs and domestic footwear manufacturing at a news conference on Capitol Hill tomorrow, July 18. The Boston, MA-based brand is currently the only athletic shoe company that manufacturers footwear in the U.S., with 25 percent of its U.S. footwear shipments produced at five New England facilities, while the primary focus of the RPFMA is to protect the remaining stateside rubber footwear industry against imports by maintaining the existing duty rates. The conference takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Capitol Vistor Center.