How tariff-ying for fashion

Last week, the world collectively gasped as US President Donald Trump signed an executive order unleashing a wave of tariffs on over 180 countries. It was chaos, not couture — absolutely not the slay we were looking for.

Fashion, like any global business, depends on international trade for materials and markets. The industry encompasses design, production and retail — which, in short, means the Trump tariffication affects the movement of goods that may likely end up in your closet, albeit at higher retail prices than pre-tariff turmoil a la Trump.

Economic independence for whom?

Think of tariffs as a financial toll gate. Every time a fashion firm imports garments, shoes, or accessories into the United States — such as that trendy oversized blazer made in Vietnam — it must now pay a tax. 

So, suppose that the blazer costs $100 wholesale and Vietnam imposes a 46 percent tariff? The importer must now pay $146. That’s bad news for brands and much worse for your wallet.

The tariff hit list resembles a who’s who of fashion production hubs, particularly in Asia. According to CNN International, Cambodia (49 percent), Laos (48 percent), Vietnam (46 percent), Myanmar (44 percent) and the Philippines (17 percent) are all affected. The translation? Prices on everything from everyday essentials to stylish fits are likely to rise, and the Philippines isn’t exempted. In short, the global supply chain has been severely disrupted.

Back in his first term, Trump went full protectionist, imposing tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico. Based on the Independent’s breakdown, China bore the worst of it, with a total tariff of 54 percent, which responded by taxing American exports in return. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re seeing round two of the trade war.

Trump, however, calls the move a “declaration of economic independence.”

How bad is it for fashion?

Let’s just say the stock market had a whole meltdown moment. Lululemon dropped 10 percent, Nike and Ralph Lauren were down 7 percent, and other big names like Tapestry and PVH Corp. slipped, too. And it’s not just luxury brands crying in their leather goods — fast fashion, sportswear and even mid-tier labels are scrambling.

The United States is one of the world’s largest consumers of clothes and footwear, making it an essential market for both American and international businesses. Almost every fashion item sold in the country will face increased duties, as the US imports more than 98 percent of its clothes and 99 percent of its footwear.

In his statement, Trump displayed a big chart of the countries his administration will directly target with various tariff rates, which he claimed represented half of the tariff and non-tariff obstacles they impose on the US. The rates were greater than many analysts had expected.

Prepare yourself for price increases, delayed releases and lesser drops. Brands have two options: absorb the expense (unlikely, given post-pandemic inflation) or pass it on to customers. So, that lovely silk outfit you’ve been eyeing? It might be $50 more expensive by the time you check out.

Luxury companies are also sweating. They have already hiked prices in recent years, and they will have to do so again — or risk losing their “aspirational” shoppers, who are already saturated. Even Nike, which moved production from China to Vietnam to avoid prior tariffs, is being caught in the new wave.

Global clapback

The global fashion fam isn’t vibing with Trump’s tariff moves. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned of “dire consequences” for millions, while China hit back with a 34 percent tariff on US goods — game on.

According to Reuters, Canada says it’s time to act “with force,” and even Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, called the move “wrong.” Ireland slammed the tariffs as pointless, Australia said it’s “not the act of a friend,” and South Korea declared the trade war officially real. Japan? They’re side-eyeing the whole thing, calling it “extremely regrettable.”

Trump may be promised a “golden age of America,” but the global apparel sector is experiencing a downturn. This isn’t just about billion-dollar brands; it’s about garment workers, small business owners and you, the consumer. If your favorite brands start raising prices or slowing down releases, you know why.

So, the next time you’re shopping, consider where that “fit” came from — and keep in mind that what happens in politics does not always stay in politics. Sometimes, it hits your closet, too.

Ultimately, Donald Trump dubbed his global tariff announcement “Liberation Day,” but some believe it effectively holds down the world and ties us all to a global trade war that no one will win.