Footwear Brands Seek Tariff Relief from Trump

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America together with 76 brands including Nike, Adidas and Skechers asked President Trump on April 29 to exclude footwear from his “reciprocal tariffs” because they faced an “existential threat.” The 145% tariffs on China and paused 10% levies on Vietnam and Cambodia, set to resume in July, add to existing duties, pushing total tariffs to 150-220%.

The group reported stalled orders and looming inventory shortages, arguing tariffs won’t spur U.S. manufacturing due to planning uncertainties. Adidas flagged price hikes, while Nike projected lower Q2 sales. “Companies can’t absorb these costs or pass them on without closing,” the letter stated.

The White House hasn’t responded. The industry, vital for affordable shoes, faces supply chain disruptions and consumer price sensitivity. The trade group predicts that without relief the industry will experience mass closures which would block Trump’s objective of boosting U.S. production while harming retailers and shoppers.