they haven’t yet placed orders, they’ve already completed our new account process.” As early as The PPAI Expo 2025, Hauppauge, New York-based supplier Royal Apparel has been seeing a noticeable rise in interest for “Made-in-USA” products. • Overall sales, order volumes and new customer registrations have all increased over the past few months, according to Glen Brumer, sales director at Royal Apparel. “Several production programs that were initially set to go overseas have now been redirected to Royal Apparel,” Brumer told PPAI Media. “We’ve been fielding multiple inquiries each day, and those conversations are turning into real orders. Distributors are clearly responding to their clients’ growing interest in U.S.-based production. We’re also hearing that they appreciate the stability of our pricing, especially as import costs continue to rise amid increasing uncertainty.” Although one of Gallery Leather Direct’s sales channels is up 50% year to date, President Jeff Plourde doesn’t think the growth is related to tariffs, adding that it’s too early to feel the true impact. “However, we would like to see more promotional growth and the tariff situation could help spur that,” says Plourde, whose Trenton, Maine-based company makes journals and presentation binders. Nearly 30% of Koozie Group’s portfolio consists of products that are made, assembled or printed in the United States. The Clearwater, Florida-based firm designates those items as “USA Proud.” Since Trump’s second inauguration, searches on “USA Proud” web pages have skyrocketed over 700%, according to Trish Daly, vice president of sales operations at Koozie Group. “This is a topic in every sales meeting,” Daly says. “We’re not only focusing on our ‘USA Proud’ items, but we’re also letting customers know we’re poised with strong inventory of imported items because we brought in additional stock anticipating tariff uncertainty.” On April 7, Koozie Group informed customers that it will be holding pricing through the end of the year on all of its 600-plus “USA Proud” items. Additionally, the company has pledged to hold pricing on its remaining catalog at least through June 1. “This commitment is our way of helping distributors navigate uncertainty and find solutions for their customers,” says Pierre Montaubin, CEO of Koozie Group. “Additionally, our consultative selling approach, backed by new data-driven tools, recent additions to the field, inside sales teams and improved services (free drop shipments, free spec samples, etc.), provides a winning combination when paired with the peace of mind created by our extensive offering of ‘USA Proud’ items.” It hasn’t been all good news, though. Kate Nash, director of business development – promo sales at Raining Rose, says the full-service manufacturer of personal care products has received a mixed response thus far. “Some customers have increased business with us because we are a USA-based manufacturer, but others have also been experiencing delays or cancellations in their order volume because of fear or frustration with the market,” Nash says. More Manpower To meet this rising demand, several “Made-inUSA” suppliers have already made or are in the process of operational adjustments. Liqui-Mark Corp., a manufacturer of writing instruments for more than 50 years, was ahead PPAI • JUNE 2025 • 77 Red, White And Sold | Must Read
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