The Newsroom

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2025 – Karlee Popken, USFMA Policy Director, issued the following statement:

As the leading voice for domestic footwear manufacturers and the domestic supply chain, the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) recognizes that the U.S. footwear industry is highly sensitive to imports, and trade policy including tariffs can serve as a critical tool for American manufacturers and suppliers. USFMA supports tariffs that will help level the playing field for domestic manufacturers of footwear and their supply chain.

Footwear manufacturing is a capital-intensive industry that requires consistency and stability to foster investment. USFMA supports the Administration’s efforts to reduce tariffs on American- made footwear sold overseas and welcomes future investments in research, development and innovations that support the expansion of our industry’s U.S. manufacturing efforts. 

As these new policies take effect, USFMA is also committed to working with the Administration to establish a transparent and efficient process to secure exclusions on essential raw materials and non-domestically available components to ensure any reciprocal tariffs do not have an unintended consequence of harming US footwear manufacturers and their U.S. supply chain. These exemptions will be crucial to the Administration’s goal of sustaining and growing U.S.- based goods manufacturing.

USFMA also strongly supports the Administration’s actions in closing the de minimis loophole for imports from China. For too long, China has exploited this provision to circumvent tariffs on footwear and apparel, undermining American manufacturers. Eliminating this loophole is a vital step toward strengthening the domestic footwear supply chain, protecting American jobs, and fostering renewed investment in U.S. manufacturing.