The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) has called on President Donald Trump to lower tariffs on footwear, following the administration’s recent reductions for some food products.
In a letter sent on November 25, FDRA pointed out that tariffs on footwear are among the highest for any consumer product category. The association noted that average rates exceed 12%, with certain children’s shoes facing combined tariff rates as high as 87.5%.
FDRA argued that these tariffs do not help protect American jobs or national security because large-scale shoe manufacturing does not take place in the United States. Instead, they said, the tariffs increase costs for families who must buy shoes regularly.
“Reducing or eliminating footwear tariffs would be a strong, pro-family decision consistent with your recent actions to lower costs without jeopardizing American workers or national security,” wrote Matt Priest, FDRA President & CEO. “We stand ready to work with your administration to ensure tariff policy supports families and businesses rather than adding to their financial burden.”
The full letter from FDRA to the president and key members of the Trump administration can be read here.
