Footwear Industry Seeks Tariff Exemption From Trump

More than 70 leading U.S. footwear companies, including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Under Armour, have urgently appealed to President Trump to exempt shoes from sweeping new reciprocal tariffs, warning these measures pose an 'existential threat' to their industry. The Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), representing these companies, states the industry already faces tariffs exceeding 37.5% for some products, with new measures potentially raising total rates to 150%-220%. The companies warn the tariffs could force hundreds of business closures, threaten tens of thousands of jobs, and make affordable footwear scarce for American families. They argue that tariffs will not bring manufacturing back to the U.S. due to high capital requirements, instead increasing prices and uncertainty. The FDRA urges targeted relief for basic consumer goods and notes that many businesses are struggling with how to pay for merchandise already shipped. While Trump has provided temporary tariff relief to other sectors, the footwear industry is seeking immediate and lasting action.