A coalition of 76 clothing and footwear companies—including major brands such as Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Skechers Inc., and Under Armour Inc.—has formally appealed to President Donald Trump for an exemption from his administration’s reciprocal tariffs. The letter, sent through the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, highlights the industry's growing concern over the financial impact of the tariffs on essential imports.

The appeal centers on Trump’s tariff measures against countries including China, Vietnam, and Cambodia—nations that serve as key manufacturing hubs for many of the involved brands. The companies argue that the current tariff rates are unsustainable and pose an existential threat to businesses that provide affordable goods to working-class consumers.

“Many companies making affordable footwear for hardworking lower and middle-income families cannot absorb tariff rates this high, nor can they pass along these costs,” the letter warned. “Without immediate relief from the reciprocal tariffs they will simply shutter.”

The request marks a significant industry-wide pushback against Trump’s trade strategy. While the administration’s aim is to recalibrate global trade relations and protect domestic manufacturing, the affected brands emphasize that these specific tariffs hurt U.S. consumers and jobs more than foreign competitors.

Industry stakeholders argue that without tariff relief, companies will be forced to either drastically raise prices or close operations—both of which would reduce access to affordable goods and threaten thousands of jobs across the country. The situation underscores the broader tension between protectionist trade policies and the realities of global supply chains.

As pressure mounts, the administration has yet to issue a formal response to the letter. The footwear and apparel industry awaits clarity on whether the White House will make accommodations or double down on its trade approach.