Major Footwear Brands Urge White House to Exempt Shoes from Tariffs

Seventy-six leading footwear companies, including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Under Armour, have jointly appealed to President Donald Trump to exempt their industry from newly imposed tariffs on imports from East Asia. In a letter organized by the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), the companies argue that these tariffs pose an “existential threat” to the U.S. footwear sector.

The letter, dated April 29, 2025, highlights that the footwear industry already faces substantial import duties—up to 37.5% or more, particularly on children’s and low-cost shoes. The additional tariffs, such as the 145% levy on Chinese imports and significant duties on goods from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, could lead to increased consumer prices and jeopardize thousands of American jobs. The companies warn that without immediate relief, many businesses may be forced to close, and U.S. footwear inventory could dwindle.

Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden emphasized that the increased tariffs would inevitably lead to higher costs across their entire U.S. product range, due to the company’s reliance on imports. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, such as reducing exports from China and rerouting products, Adidas remains vulnerable to tariffs due to limited manufacturing capacity within the U.S.

The FDRA’s letter urges the administration to adopt a more strategic, targeted tariff approach that avoids everyday consumer items like footwear. The group contends that the current tariff strategy will not bring manufacturing back to the U.S., as it undermines the certainty businesses need to invest in sourcing changes.

As of now, the White House has not responded to the FDRA’s appeal. The footwear industry continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a resolution that will prevent further economic strain on businesses and consumers alike.