Ivanka Trump reportedly imports ‘Made in China’ merchandise

Ivanka Trump’s company was allegedly importing 50 tonnes of Chinese clothing amid her father’s call to “buy American and hire American.” Between Nov.8 to Feb.26, at least 82 shipments have reportedly passed through US customs from China.

Over 1,600 cowhide leather wallets, more than two tonnes in ladies’ polyester woven blouses and 23 tonnes in footwear entered the US during this period, according to a report by Agence France-Presse. A July analysis showed that Ivanka’s fashion line at New York City’s flagship Macy’s store were made in the US while some are "Made in China" merchandise.

US President Donald Trump urged Americans to “buy American and hire American” during his inauguration speech at Capitol Hill on Jan.20. However, it is believed that the first daughter is still purchasing items from China.

Independent reports that the goods were from three US companies in China. These are G-Ill, Mondani Handbags and Marc Fisher Footwear, which hold Ivanka Trump licences. All three companies are yet to comment about the issue. The publication further notes that more than 1,200 shipments of Ivanka merchandise have flowed into the US from China and Hong Kong over the past ten years.

Meanwhile, sales of Ivanka products have skyrocketed last month, making her Lyst’s 11th most popular brand. Lyst, a fashion marketplace, said the biggest surge took place on Feb. 9 when sales jumped by 219 percent from the day before.

On the same day, White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway promoted the first daughter’s clothing and jewellery line during her appearance in “Fox & Friends.”“Go buy Ivanka’s stuff is what I would tell you. I’m going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody,” she said.

Conway’s comments were criticised by both Democrats and Republicans. Her endorsement of Ivanka’s products appeared to have violated an ethics rule barring federal employees from utilising their public office to endorse products. “Conway’s comments were 'absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong' and 'clearly over the line,'” Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said per the Washington Post.

Lyst’s spokeswoman Sarah Tanner said increases in sales are linked to current events. For instance, Hillary Clinton’s affinity for pantsuits resulted to interest for the style to rise up by 460 percent last year.

The rise of sales of Ivanka’s brand was confirmed by Abigail Klem, president of the Ivanka Trump brand. In a statement, she said the beginning of February shows “the best performing weeks in the history of the brand.”