WASHINGTON, May 3 (Sputnik) – More than 75 American footwear brands, including Adidas, Nike, Vans and Crocs, called on US President Trump to cancel tariffs on the industry.
“Many companies that produce affordable footwear for hardworking, low- and middle-income families cannot afford such high tariffs or pass on the costs,” the companies said in a letter to the president. “Without the immediate removal of reciprocal tariffs, they will be forced out of business.”
Shoe manufacturers point out that tariffs have caused their products to increase significantly, making it impossible for American consumers to buy affordable shoes.
“We kindly request that footwear be excluded from any retaliatory tariff measures,” the letter said.
On April 2, US President Trump signed an executive order to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on goods imported from other countries. The lowest base rate is 10%, and higher tariffs will be imposed on goods from 57 countries from April 9. The US side explained that this is calculated based on the trade deficit between the United States and specific countries, and the purpose is to replace the deficit with a balance. However, Trump said on April 9 that since more than 75 countries have not implemented countermeasures and requested to start trade negotiations, the United States will impose a 10% base import tariff on all countries except China in the next 90 days.
