Leading global footwear companies—including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Under Armour—are calling on former President Donald Trump to revoke recently introduced tariffs on imported shoes. In a united appeal, industry giants warn that these tariffs could severely disrupt the footwear market, raise prices for American families, and put thousands of jobs at risk.
Footwear Industry Sounds Alarm Over Tariff Impact
In a formal letter sent to the White House, the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), supported by 76 major shoe brands, described the tariffs as a direct threat to the survival of the U.S. footwear industry. The letter highlighted the damaging effects on affordability, availability, and business operations across the country.
“Companies that supply affordable footwear to low- and middle-income families cannot sustain such high tariff rates,” the letter emphasized. “In the absence of relief, many businesses will be forced to close.”
Tariffs Threaten Inventory and Consumer Access
According to the FDRA, several footwear orders have already been postponed. Retailers fear the new tariffs will cause significant inventory shortages in the U.S., disrupting supply chains that heavily rely on overseas manufacturing, especially in Asia.
Trump’s Trade Tariffs Create Market Uncertainty
The tariff plan, introduced by Trump on April 2, targets imported goods from China, Vietnam, and Cambodia—key regions in the global footwear supply chain. Although Vietnam and Cambodia received a temporary 90-day tariff reduction to 10%, products from China now face a staggering effective rate of 145%.
Given that nearly all sneakers purchased in the U.S.—valued at over \$31 billion annually—are imported from these countries, the industry fears these tariffs will significantly drive up costs for American consumers.
No Time for Supply Chain Shifts, Say Footwear Brands
The FDRA warned that the U.S. footwear industry cannot pivot overnight. The current tariffs give companies no time to reconfigure manufacturing processes or relocate production to alternative locations.
“This is a crisis that demands immediate federal attention,” the letter stated. “There is no realistic prospect of bringing shoe manufacturing back to the U.S. via these tariffs.”
Prices and sales for consumers are a concern for Adidas and Nike
Adidas agreed with the industry’s concerns, stating that retailers would have to hike prices, which would weaken both consumer demand and purchasing power. Nike also pointed to economic instability and shifting trade policies as reasons for its cautious sales outlook in recent months.
Even before the new tariffs, U.S. footwear companies were dealing with high import taxes—especially on children’s shoes. With the additional duties, total tariff costs could soar to between 150% and 220%, based on FDRA projections.
White House Response Still Pending as Deadline Nears
Despite growing pressure, the Trump administration has not responded to the letter. The temporary tariff relief for Vietnam and Cambodia is set to expire in early July, leaving shoe companies with limited time to strategize.
The lack of clarity from the White House has fueled industry concerns about store closures, job losses, and inflation in an already sensitive retail environment. The FDRA and its partners are pressing for swift action to avoid deeper disruptions in the consumer goods market.
