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\u201c\u2026We respectfully urge that footwear does not become an unintended casualty of this investigation. Additional tariffs on Brazilian footwear would increase costs for American businesses and families without advancing the broader objectives of an American First trade policy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A top official of the American Apparel & Footwear Association recently testified at the USTR’ Section 301 hearing on Brazil, urging against additional tariffs on footwear imported from there.
\nAdditional tariffs on Brazilian footwear would increase costs for American businesses and families without advancing the broader objectives of an American First trade policy,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe respectfully ask that Chapter 64 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States be excluded from any additional tariff action resulting from this investigation,\u201d added Hughes.<\/p>\n
In 2025 alone, US companies paid nearly $61 million in tariffs on footwear imported from Brazil.<\/p>\n
Despite the significant US value embedded in these products\u2014including intellectual property, leather and textile inputs\u2014footwear still faced an average trade-weighted tariff rate of 23.5 per cent in 2025, compared with just 7.8 per cent across all imported products, Hughes noted.<\/p>\n
Brazil is a critical sourcing alternative for US brands and retailers. Its footwear exports to the United States are concentrated in leather footwear, representing nearly 72 per cent of imports in 2025, valued at $157.7 million, or 5.66 million pairs, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdding tariffs on Brazilian footwear\u2014or even creating uncertainty about additional tariffs\u2014risks shifting sourcing to other countries where trade concerns are even more significant. That outcome would do little to address the underlying issues this investigation seeks to resolve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Overall US footwear prices are up by 5.2 per cent compared with May 2025. Men’s footwear prices are up by 5.4 per cent, women’s footwear by 6.2 per cent and children’s footwear by 2.3 per cent.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, continued uncertainty surrounding tariff policy makes these challenges even greater. It disrupts sourcing decisions, undermines long-term business planning, and increases costs throughout the supply chain. Greater certainty and predictability in trade policy are essential to strengthening US competitiveness and supporting domestic manufacturing,\u201d Hughes added.<\/p>\n
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)<\/p>\n
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