Concern in the footwear industry over tariff increases
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) released the results of its Q4 2024 Shoe Executive Business Outlook Survey, highlighting that tariffs and government regulations are perceived as the greatest challenge and main concern for the footwear industry. Industry leaders foresee that these measures could lead to a significant increase in consumer prices.
Matt Priest -CEO and President of FDRA-, emphasized that 60% of executives consider government policies to be the primary challenge. Additionally, 37% of respondents project a retail price increase of more than 5%, while 82% anticipate rising total import costs over the next six months, according to FDRA.