Many industries are currently facing several challenges following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping tariffs. The apparel decorating community, and printing industry at large, are not immune to these challenges, and with the constant changes being announced, it has become a challenge for decorating shops to keep up.

Stephanie Buka, government affairs coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses the impact of tariffs on the printing industry in her latest article for the Alliance. Buka also joined Apparelist to dive deeper into what all of this uproar means for the apparel decorating community as well as how shops can stay on top of the constant change and be ready for impending implications.

Apparelist: Many apparel manufacturers started to move their businesses to Mexico in response to major legislation such as UFLPA and other forced labor issues coming from Asia/overseas. How will possible tariffs on Mexico impact those companies and in turn apparel decorators? 

Buka: U.S. companies with manufacturing operations in Mexico that export goods to the U.S. will face a 25% tariff on apparel, textiles, nonwool, and cotton once the 30-day pause ends on March 4, 2025. This will raise production and material costs for manufacturers. Apparel decorators will either need to absorb these higher costs or pass them onto consumers, which could strain their profit margins. They may also have to adjust their supply chains, working with alternative suppliers or manufacturers less affected by the tariffs, complicating their business logistics.

Apparelist: Decorators already feel the strain of increased costs due to inflation over the last couple years. How might potential tariffs add to that strain? 

Buka: If tariffs on Mexican imports are enacted, it will only exacerbate the pressure. Tariffs lead to higher costs for the goods being imported, whether it’s base apparel or specialty materials for decoration. This added cost burden may affect sales and competitiveness in the market. With inflation and tariffs combined, decorators may need to carefully reassess their pricing structure, sourcing strategies, and cost management practices to ensure their business is sustainable.

Apparelist: The situation is constantly changing right now — what are some ways apparel decorators can prepare for different scenarios? 

Buka: Apparel decorators may want to diversify their supply chains and explore alternative materials. Waiting to make adjustments could lead to missed opportunities for cost-saving measures or the inability to respond quickly enough to a changing market. By proactively making adjustments now, decorators will remain competitive in an uncertain environment.

Apparel decorators can also prepare for the evolving situation by staying informed about policy changes through the PRINTING United Alliance Government Affairs team at govtaffairs@printing.org and the Industry Advocate newsletter.