U.S. Trade Groups Sound Alarm on Footwear

Major U.S. trade groups are warning that the price of sneakers and other footwear could rise sharply for American consumers if steep tariffs are imposed on imports from countries that currently produce them at low cost, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Since 99% of the shoes sold in the U.S. are imported, the impact would be widespread.

According to the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), about 97% of clothes and shoes purchased in the U.S. are imported—mostly from Asia. “If these tariffs are allowed to persist, ultimately it’s going to make its way to the consumer,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA.

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) also released estimates showing how much shoe prices could increase. Since 99% of the shoes sold in the U.S. are imported, the impact would be widespread.

For example, Chinese-made work boots currently retailing for $77 could rise to $115, while Vietnamese-made running shoes priced at $155 could increase to $220.

FDRA President Matt Priest emphasized that lower-income families and budget retailers would feel the impact most. A pair of children’s shoes made in China that currently costs $26 could rise to $41 by the back-to-school shopping season, the group projected.

The FDRA also noted that the U.S. lacks both the skilled workforce and domestic sources for over 70 materials typically used in shoe production.

“These materials simply do not exist here, and many of them have never existed in the U.S.,” the organization stated in written comments to President Trump’s trade representative.