The US apparel industry should prepare for uncertainty as reports claim US President-elect Trump's advisors are considering a new tariff approach that might not include apparel.

January 7, 2025

US President-elect Donald Trump’s aides are said to be considering this new approach to tariffs, according to a report by The Washington Post, which cites three individuals familiar with the ongoing discussions.  

Shortly after the publication of The Washington Post’s report Trump took to his Truth Social platform to denounce its coverage as erroneous and labelled it another instance of “Fake News.” 

He wrote: “The story in the Washington Post, quoting so-called anonymous sources, which don’t exist, incorrectly states that my tariff policy will be pared back. That is wrong. The Washington Post knows it’s wrong. It’s just another example of Fake News.”

However, if the publication’s sources are to be believed a pared back tariff plan would mark a significant change for the apparel and fashion retail sectors from the stance Trump presented during his 2024 presidential campaign. ...

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)’s president, Julie Hughes agrees, stating: “We are in uncertain times during the transition to the new Trump Administration.”

She adds: “The contradictory messages about tariffs reflect the fact that no one knows for certain what policies will be enacted on Day One. No one likes uncertainty but it is the reality for at least the next few weeks.” ...

Hughes hopes the new Administration will not target fashion and consumer products like apparel and footwear for additional tariffs. 

She explains: “While the average duty on manufactured products is 2%, tariffs on clothing and footwear, including clothing for children and babies, can be as high as 32% for clothing and 65% for footwear. The elimination of these regressive taxes on American families — and the resulting lower prices — would be the best economic stimulus programme in recent history.”