How will clothing companies be affected by Trump tariffs?
(NewsNation) — President Trump's tariffs are likely to hurt fashion retailers who produce much of their clothing overseas, but that doesn't mean companies will bring their manufacturing to the U.S.
For that to happen, businesses would need to believe the tariffs will be in place for a 'very long period of time,' beyond one administration, said Ken Natori, president of The Natori Company, which makes women's clothing.
'It would take a very long time to train and develop that workforce,' Natori told NewsNation's Connell McShane on Monday. 'It's hard to see that all coming to fruition.'
Tariffs will make sneakers, jeans and almost everything Americans wear cost more, trade groups warn
About 97% of the clothes and shoes purchased in the U.S. are imported, predominantly from Asia, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
Garment hubs like China took a big hit under the president's plan, but so did other countries that fashion companies rely on like Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.The abruptness of Trump's 'Liberation Day' announcement — and uncertainty around how long the levies will last — has left businesses confused about what to do next, Natori said.
What Trump's tariffs mean for fashion production
'People are in such shock, it's like 'What are we supposed to do?'' he said.
Natori said some companies and department stores have more price flexibility than others, so consumers may notice more variance between brands. Larger companies, for example, may have more negotiating power with suppliers and be better insulated from tariff disruptions.
'Being a smaller, independent company, it's just harder,' he said. 'Having scale helps you absorb these things.'
Without policy changes, Americans could soon see higher prices for staples like sneakers, T-shirts and jeans as businesses pass on some of their higher costs to consumers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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