of the game. The Hauppauge, New York-based company, which offers a wide assortment of Made-in-USA products, stocked up on imports during election season, allowing it to hold out longer with lower landed-cost inventory to support the needs of distributors and their clients. While the firm has maintained its pricing structure that was active as of January 1, 2025, for all items, costs for imported products are slated to change as needed, says Josh Goodelman, president and CEO of Liqui-Mark. “We’re absorbing a portion of the increase to be mindful of our customers and the challenge they face sharing increases with the end user,” Goodelman says. “It’s important for distributors to understand that the tariff impact cost in most cases is higher than a supplier’s profit margin. We’re left with no choice but to increase our selling prices.” Goodelman adds that the company started the process months ago of reshoring some products from China to other countries. Of course, the process will take time and money. “As we explore and execute these new sourcing decisions, we’ll always put our customer base and their needs at the forefront of our decision making.” Ian Brudenell, national sales manager at All American Writing Instruments, says the firm has increased capacity and streamlined its order and production process. “As a USA manufacturer, I’m not sure if there has ever been a better time to increase traction and generate new business more than now,” Brudenell says. Scaduto says LBU has also expanded its production capacity, fine-tuned its workflow and added staff where needed. “We’re also continuing to invest in equipment and product development so we can scale efficiently while keeping lead times fast and quality high,” Scaduto says. “One of the biggest advantages we offer as a fully vertical manufacturer is agility so when the market shifts like it has now, we’re built to respond quickly.” Currently running its plant with only one shift, Leather Gallery Direct has capacity to grow, according to Plourde. “We could scale up quickly if we need to,” he says. “Labor seems to be available in our market, so we have options of expanding the team and increasing capacity on the current shift or adding additional shifts.” • As global brands like Apple, Hyundai and Eli Lilly pledge to invest in American manufacturing, Trump’s “Made-in-USA” push is seeing early success. • The U.S. gained 8,000 manufacturing jobs in February and 1,000 in March after losing an average of 9,000 manufacturing jobs per month last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Raining Rose has been investing in customer service technology and staffing for several months,” Nash says. “Our sourcing teams have been doing what they can to stockpile raw ingredients and components ahead of expected cost increases. We’re as prepared as we can be.” In April, Los Angeles-based apparel supplier BELLA+CANVAS and Eastlake, Ohiobased supplier Stakes Manufacturing, which specializes in print on demand, announced a strategic partnership to support companies in reshaping their supply chains. “We’re leveraging BELLA+CANVAS’ domestic and near-shore garment production capabilities to empower major global brands to manufacture white label garments in the U.S. and have them decorated domestically to meet the rising demand driven by recent tariff changes,” says Jed Seifert, co-founder of Stakes. Additionally, Stakes offers an extensive selection of BELLA+CANVAS off-theshelf garments, including SKUs produced through a blend of domestic and near-shore manufacturing, as well as fully “Made-in-USA” options. Seifert says this provides brands that may not require a custom-made garment “We’ve been fielding multiple inquiries each day, and those conversations are turning into real orders. . . . We’re also hearing that they appreciate the stability of our pricing, especially as import costs continue to rise amid increasing uncertainty.” –GLEN BRUMER 78 • JUNE 2025 • PPAI Must Read | Red, White And Sold
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