A dynamic policy landscape and ongoing de minimis scrutiny are shaping an era of uncertainty for apparel brands and retailers.
Fashion supply chains are under incredible duress in 2025 due to a litany of raw material procurement, labor and logistics management challenges.
Participating fashion leaders in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion Executive Survey — which polled 345 individuals between August and October 2024 — are pessimistic about the year ahead. According to the survey findings, 39% of fashion executives anticipate industry conditions to get worse, while 41% expect the market to remain the same.
Here are three trends fashion supply chains will need to navigate this year.
Navigating potential tariffs
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Stakeholders are interested in expanding sourcing in the U.S. and in the Western Hemisphere, especially with Free Trade Agreement partners, the United States Fashion Industry Association told Supply Chain Dive. However, most brands are going to “wait-and-see” based on the implementation of tariffs.