Reimagining Apparel Manufacturing to Fit a New Retail Era | Ft. Stanley Szeto
January 1, 2026
By removing fixed assets and prioritizing different KPI’s, Lever Style
TRADE ISSUES | Tariffs
After the Trump administration announced a 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods, among the highest levied on any U.S. trading partner under the current “reciprocal” tariff framework, manufacturers and US brands are sweating out a scenario where any profits they might have hoped for with quickly turn into massive losses.
Vietnam is urgently negotiating to avert or reduce this tariff, which, if implemented, would severely impact its export-driven economy.
REALITY. With Vietnam heavily dependent upon exporting to the US, it has few options other than to given into US demands.
WALKING THE TALK. Vietnam is proactively making pre-emptive commitments to buy more American products and is leveraging business ties-including high-profile deals and partnerships with U.S. corporations-to improve the trade balance and build goodwill with the Trump administration
Here’s a summary of where US-Vietnam negotiations stand:
SOURCING & SUPPLY CHAIN
By removing fixed assets and prioritizing different KPI’s, Lever Style
As tariffs and geopolitics reshape sourcing strategies, brands are exploring
US tariff policy has become the dominant driver of short‑term
Not just the US, now other countries are leaning into
Analysts expect most materials prices to remain under pressure in
Rising presssure from ESG, tech and diversification costs could brake
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