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Footwear manufacturers from the USA petitioned Trump for an exemption from the imposed tariffs

Major Footwear Companies such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Vans, and Crocs implored President Trump to abolish tariffs affecting their industry. They expressed concern that these taxes would escalate prices for consumers.

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Footwear manufacturers from the USA petitioned Trump for an exemption from the imposed tariffs

Going Sole-less? Top 76 American Shoe Brands Cry Foul Over Trump's Tariffs

It's a eligible storm brewing in the U.S. footwear industry, with big names like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, and Crocs, among others, pleading for a reprieve from President Donald Trump's tariffs. Led by the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), these brands fear that these duties will result in increased shoe prices and potential business closures.

In a letter penned on April 29, the FDRA warned of hundreds of businesses on the verge of extinction, endangering tens of thousands of jobs. With existing tariffs piled on new ones, U.S. footwear companies now face mind-boggling rates of up to 220% in some cases.

"Many companies manufacturing budget-friendly shoes for families with modest incomes cannot withstand such towering tariffs or pass on these costs. Without prompt tariff relief, they'll simply have to shutter," the document reads.

Faced with an escalating economic squeeze, the letter's authors forewarn that American families will bear the brunt of tariff hikes, which they deem a "movin'-on-up kick" to their wallets. "Swift action is needed," they implore.

In April, Trump announced his plan to slap tariffs on goods from various countries, with the highest rate, 145%, reserved for Chinese products. China hit back with tariffs of 125%. Many American brands, including Nike, Vans, New Balance, and Puma, have production facilities in Asia. As of 2023, Vietnam accounted for roughly 51% of Nike's footwear production, with China contributing 24%. Most of New Balance's and Vans' athletic footwear is also manufactured in these countries, with Puma heavily relying on Chinese production. According to the FDRA, approximately 70% of the shoes sold in the U.S. are constructed in China.

Trump's tariff policy seeks to rectify trade imbalances and propel production back to the States. However, the U.S. real GDP dipped by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025 on an annualized basis, marking the first decline since 2022, as per the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Insights:

  • The FDRA represents 76 major U.S. footwear brands that have officially requested tariff exemptions from Trump.
  • The tariffs are already in effect for Chinese-made shoes, while a 90-day freeze applies to other countries.
  • Brands fear that the tariffs pose an "existential threat," with orders on hold and inventory shortages on the horizon.
  • Adidas has withheld its 2025 financial outlook due to tariff unpredictability, despite posting strong Q1 results.
  • Removal of tariffs could prevent price hikes on footwear, which disproportionately affect middle- and working-class families. Exemptions could also avert projected business closures and protect numerous jobs in retail, logistics, and design.
  • The FDRA maintains that existing U.S. tariffs on footwear already constitute some of the highest consumer good rates, making additional duties untenable. Without exemptions, the industry anticipates widespread economic repercussions by late 2025.
  1. The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), which represents 76 major U.S. footwear brands, has warned President Donald Trump that hundreds of businesses could face closure if tariffs on footwear production continue, potentially endangering tens of thousands of jobs.
  2. The FDRA fears that increased shoe prices will result from these tariffs, with some companies manufacturing budget-friendly shoes for families with modest incomes unable to withstand towering tariffs or pass on these costs.
  3. In a letter penned on April 29, the FDRA implores for prompt tariff relief, as existing tariffs piled on new ones have created mind-boggling rates of up to 220% in some cases.
  4. In the financial sector, brands like Adidas have withheld their 2025 financial outlook due to tariff unpredictability, despite posting strong Q1 results.
  5. The escalating economic squeeze on the footwear industry, combined with Trump's tariff policy, could lead to widespread economic repercussions by late 2025, according to the FDRA.
U.S. footwear manufacturers, such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Vans, and Crocs, requested President Trump to rescind tariffs on their industry. They contend that tariffs will escalate costs for consumers due to increased production costs.
Over 70 American shoe manufacturers, such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Vans, and Crocs, petitioned President Trump to rescind tariffs on their sector. They argued that the imposed taxes would escalate...
Over 70 American footwear companies, including Adidas, Puma, Nike, Vans, and Crocs, have requested President Donald Trump to exclude their industry from tariffs. They argue that the duties would lead to price hikes for consumers.

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