Posted on 05/13/2019 3:00:49 PM PDT by Mariner
The U.S. sneaker market is valued at $21.2 billion, according to Cowen Equity Research, and while sneakers were left off President Trumps most recent duty list, many sneaker fans are wondering what effects a new round of tariffs could have on the booming industry.
On May 10, Trump made good on his promise to raise tariffs by 15% on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. The now 25% tariffs are meant as a punishment to China for the country's refusal to accept the Trump Administrations latest version of a potential trade deal. Trump also ordered the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately $300 billion.
In response, the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) tweeted at Trump:
Footwear is already hit with a $3 billion tariff bill EVERY Year. That's enough to buy 855 Starbucks coffees for everyone in Manhattan! 80% of kids shoes are made in China - U.S. families cannot afford even higher tariffs on shoes! Please - NO new shoe tariffs!
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
And heaps of Chinese noodles with quarts of Poontang sauce.
but I took a quick look at my wear-to-work Timberland work boots to make sure they arent made in China-and they are made right here in the US-good-those are great work boots and Id hate to quit buying/wearing them...
I was hoping for “crushing” but “staggering” will have to do.
There are different mindsets that come over people when they put on different shoes & boots.
Youre familiar with the saying that you can tell a lot about a man by his shoes. Its absolutely true.
A society that gives up the vulnerability that comes with the self-delusion of comfort will find great progress in wingtips and workboots.
What a corck of pure d crap.
After years of buying sneakers and boots that cost more then they are worth I now buy Thorogood that are mostly made in the US. So far the soles don’t come off of them before the tops wear out. They could do a better job on the hard toe transition of the safety boots and they would be more comfortable. I am anxious to try a pair of the non-safety boots.
I don’t buy chinee or non-us shoes and boots anymore. Actually, the cost per year is much less for good US made shoes.
I have three pairs of timberland steel toe work boots with good tops and no soles. About 5 years worth of wear. Just junk.
...my wear-to-work Timberland work boots to make sure they arent made in China-and they are made right here in the US-good-those are great work boots and Id hate to quit buying/wearing them....
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I buy and use Thorogood safety toe work boots. Top quality and made in America (Wisconsin). Timberland does make some good boots also,
No problems. House shoes seem to be a popular choice
The only solution is a federal program subsidizing tennis shoes. A five hundred dollar pair of sneakers will cost $625. This will require the hold up of another liquor store.
And have a closet full. Today’s sneaker market is not about useful and durable - its all about status.
I just happily paid $200 for another pair of Red Wing work boots. Plus the in-sole upgraded. I can wear ‘em for 14 hours a day. Amazing shoe.
The rest of the world should attack like a pack of hyenas, to rip off chunks of China’s market share.
This is the opportunity of a generation. The tariffs are going to blast that business free - it is anyone’s to grab.
don’t consumers wait in line for special release sneakers and then flip them after-market for even higher prices?
The market can handle a price hike.
I remember someone once said to me to look at the sneakers being worn by the panhandlers in NYC.
They were right.
I have a couple of pairs of OkaB shoes. They are great! Machine washable, recyclable plastic or rubber, don’t remember which. I bought them because they’re made in America.
I know a guy who buys most of his shoes at estate sales. He lives in a town with a lot of wealthy people. He buys $1200 shoes for $5. Always in pristine condition. Often never worn. Current or classic styles.
I, also, only buy New Balance made in America.
NB...are great shoes, however only 25% of their shoes are made in the USA. The pair that I have on right now were made in Vietnam.
Wow thrifty guy! FWIW, my wife gets most of her and the kids clothes at salvation army. She is good at that - I do a terrible job. Went in and got kids pants and then she asked “Did you have them try them on?”. Whoops.
I like expensive clothes, but I can’t afford them. I often buy beautiful clothes at thrift stores such as Goodwill. When I lost several pounds a few months ago, I got rid of my too large clothes (gave them to Goodwill), and bought several great outfits there, for $45.
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