Sportswear Giants Nike, Adidas Urge White House for Tariff Exemptions, Warning of "Existential Threat"

On May 2 local time, CCTV reporters learned that the U.S. Footwear Distributors and Retailers Association (FDRA) sent a letter to the White House this week, urging the exemption of what President Trump calls "reciprocal tariffs." The letter stated that these tariffs pose an "existential threat" to the footwear industry.

The letter, signed by 76 footwear brands including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Under Armour, emphasized that many companies producing affordable footwear cannot absorb the steep tariffs or pass these costs onto consumers. It warned that without immediate removal of the reciprocal tariffs, these businesses would face closure. The association added that numerous orders have been put on hold, potentially leading to footwear shortages for U.S. consumers.

Earlier, on April 8 local time, FDRA CEO Matt Priest stated in a CNN interview that after U.S. tariff policies took effect, the price of a $150 (approximately 1,100RMB) pair of sneakers has surged $230 (about 1,688 RMB), an $80 (587 RMB) increase, marking a 53% price hike.

He further explained that a pair of sneakers priced at $100 (around 733RMB) when manufactured overseas would cost $300 or $400 (approximately 2,201 or 2,935 RMB) if produced domestically in the U.S., all due to current tariff policies.