Tariffs Threaten U.S. Bridal Shops, Drive Up Dress Costs

Newly imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports under President Trump's trade policy are driving up the cost of wedding dresses in the U.S., where about 90% of gowns and many materials are sourced from China. Bridal shop owners nationwide report absorbing much of the increased costs but warn that higher prices are being passed on to brides, with some shops posting notices of potential surcharges. Industry experts highlight that shifting production back to the U.S. or other countries is not feasible in the short term due to the lack of skilled labor and alternative manufacturing infrastructure. The tariffs are also impacting related items such as veils and accessories, and small businesses are struggling to adapt to the sudden changes. Some shops are seeking alternative suppliers in countries like Vietnam and Australia, but options remain limited, especially as other former sources like Ukraine have been disrupted by conflict. Brides are advised to plan early and budget for potential price hikes as costs continue to rise.