U.S. Jeans Makers Seek New Markets After Europe Triples Denim Tariff

Those jeans are getting tighter

Premium-denim manufacturers in Los Angeles are sorting out new ways to boost their global markets and enhance their marketing programs now that Europe has tripled the duty on women's jeans made in the United States.

The duty, which went from 12 percent to 38 percent on May 1, is expected to crimp denim sales for the next two years unless the Obama administration can convince Europe to revoke the tax.

A group of industry leaders and manufacturers gathered at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce June 27 to listen to a panel talk about the importance of "Made in USA" and strategies to help LA factories find new markets to make up for lost business in Europe.