PORTLAND, Ore. — More than 170 footwear companies, including the biggest in Portland's robust athletic and outdoor industry, have signed a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider a proposed 25 percent tariff on shoes from China.
The list includes Nike, Adidas America, Columbia Sportswear and others with Portland roots or operations, including Under Armour, Baggallini and BOGS.
"The proposed tariff of 25 percent on footwear would be catastrophic for our consumers, our companies, and the American economy as a whole," the companies wrote.
Last week, the U.S Trade Representative, at the behest of President Donald Trump, published a list of $300 billion in Chinese goods that could be hit with new tariffs as high as 25 percent.
The Trump administration ordered the proposed new tariffs after a breakdown in talks with China, according to the New York Times. The administration has already announced tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports.
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, a trade group, subsequently estimated the retail price of a $150 running shoe would increase to $206.25 if the final tariff increase is 25 percent. The cost of a $130 basketball shoe would increase to $179.
It further estimated the tariffs would add $7 billion in additional costs to U.S. footwear.
"There should be no misunderstanding that U.S. consumers pay for tariffs on products that are imported," the companies wrote.
In a news release, FDRA CEO Matt Priest said the footwear tariffs would be "catastrophic" to the industry.
"More than 170 footwear companies signed this letter, making it the largest contingent of footwear companies working together in our industry's history," Priest said, in the release. "When you have such a historic movement, with all voices saying how terrible this would be for business, you hope the president will take notice and listen."