Footwear Under Fire: Tariffs, Trade, and the Sneaker Industry's Plea
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America have penned a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a tariff exemption. American tariffs continue to be at the forefront of the global economic discussion and highlight the complex layers within the hobby of collecting sneakers. 76 different sneaker brands signed this joint letter appealing to the President’s recent comments that he will consider tariff exemptions for companies hit particularly hard. The letter, which you can read in full cites the nature of the footwear business as the cause for this consideration.
One such area of concern raised is that many companies focus on making affordable sneakers for families across the U.S. According to the letter, the increased cost of operations under the tariffs cannot be affordably absorbed by the companies themselves or consumers. The letter also urges for the exemption on the basis that, unlike other industries, footwear products cannot be financed but instead be purchased fully at the point of sale. The higher price points resulting from responding to the tariffs are, in turn, felt by consumers instantly. Brands like and supported the request, signing alongside others like , , and . The only major player absent from the list was , which, although it only accounts for a small percentage of their overall sales, is the only big brand to have a Made in the USA business line. Time will tell if this petition proves fruitful.
The letter is thorough in its rationale, highlighting concern for brands, consumers, employees, and families dependent on the industry's health. Whether in a state of growth or decline at the present moment, all parties anxiously await a determination. Ultimately, the letter serves as a reminder that more is at stake than having that heat on foot.