Under Armour, Adidas, Nike, and Other Companies Urge Trump to Stop Tariffs That Could Devastate the Industry

The largest shoe companies in America are pressuring Trump to remove additional tariffs that they claim might destroy the sector. The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) wrote to the White House this week, requesting immediate relief from reciprocal tariffs that have severely impacted important supply nations, which they describe as a “existential threat.”

The letter, which was signed by 76 companies, including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Under Armour, cautions that Trump’s broad trade policies may force companies to close, raise consumer prices, and leave U.S. stores with empty shelves.

According to the letter, “many businesses that produce reasonably priced shoes for hardworking lower- and middle-class families cannot absorb tariff rates this high nor can they pass these costs along.” “They will just shutter if there is no immediate relief.”

China, Vietnam, and Cambodia—all significant manufacturers of American shoe brands—are the targets of the levies, which were first announced on April 2. The tariff on Chinese imports has soared to 145%, despite the administration lowering the initial charge of over 45% for Vietnam and Cambodia to 10% for a brief 90-day period.

According to the FDRA, the uncertainty is already causing some businesses to postpone orders, which may result in a shortfall of inventory for American consumers this summer. In July, Trump’s complete tariff program is expected to ramp up once more.

Adidas has already issued a warning about how American consumers may be affected by price increases. Nike shared that worry, pointing to economic instability and international tariffs as potential negative effects on current-quarter sales.

The trade association claims that even before the most recent tariffs, shoe manufacturers were already struggling with high charges, especially on children’s shoes. In addition to Trump’s new strategy, the industry is currently dealing with effective rates ranging from 150% to 220%.

The FDRA said, “This is an emergency that requires immediate action.” “There aren’t enough months for the US footwear industry to adapt supply chains and business models while dealing with this unexpected and unprecedented tariff regime.”

Additionally, the letter disputed Trump’s claim that these tariffs will restore American manufacturing, contending that they actually cause the kind of economic instability that discourages long-term planning and investment.