US-China Trade Issues: The Battle for Apparel

Key Points

US-China trade issues continue to affect different industries. In this report, we review recent developments in the tariff dispute and the impact on apparel.

• A June 18 phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss meeting during the G20 summit gave everyone hope for a resolution.
• While tariffs have pushed up the average retail price of China-sourced apparel, in theory eroding China’s competitive edge, the country still dominates US apparel sourcing.
• Apparel brands are diversifying sourcing sites away from China, adopting a “China plus Vietnam plus many” strategy.