Imagine walking into a U.S. shoe store one day and finding prices have jumped by more than a third. That’s the reality the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) says could hit American families if a planned 37.5% tariff on children’s shoes takes effect.
In a letter dated April 29, the FDRA rallied 76 leading footwear companies—think Nike, Adidas and Skechers—to ask President Trump for an exemption from reciprocal tariffs. The message was clear: shoes are different from washing machines, and slapping steep duties on them risks more than just a sticker shock for shoppers.
“Given the nature of the U.S. footwear industry, American footwear businesses and families face an existential threat from such substantial cost increases. Hundreds of businesses face the prospect of closure,” the letter reads.
With duties set as high as 37.5% on popular kids’ styles, manufacturers warn that factories could shut down, workers could be laid off and retailers might have to limit the brands they stock.
On the consumer front, parents could find themselves scrambling for affordable shoes as well-known labels become pricier or disappear from shelves.
As the debate over tariffs heats up, the footwear industry and shoe lovers nationwide will be watching Washington’s next move closely. Will shoes step away from the trade war, or will tariffs leave consumers and businesses in the lurch?
Reference(s):
Tariff tales: U.S. footwear giants ask Trump for tariff exemption
cgtn.com
