Quick Take: The Impact of Tariffs on US Retail

Executive Summary

In this report, we review the import tariffs imposed by the US and China and their implications on the US retail industry.

• Consumer goods were excluded from the tariffs the US imposed on Chinese imports until July 10, when US President Donald Trump announced another list of product categories, worth around $200 billion, to which tariffs will apply. This new list includes apparel.
• China accounted for 37% of US apparel imports and 56% of US footwear imports in 2017, according to the US Department of Commerce.
• There is a strong negative correlation between Chinese textile surplus and US textile jobs.
• In-demand brands look best positioned to pass on the costs of the new tariffs to consumers.