solution with access to high-quality apparel and premium retail quality printing domestically. “This partnership enables brands to reshore their supply chains while elevating product quality, sustainability and speed to both customers and retailers,” Seifert says. Promising Outlook Despite Trump’s penchant for frequently changing tariff decisions, several “Made-in-USA” suppliers are anticipating the 47th president’s trade policy to be a boon for business for the foreseeable future. “We’d guess there would be a further increase in sales because people know what they are going to get with Sock Club,” says Holly Richardson, brand manager at the Austin, Texas-based supplier. “In the past, they might have been hesitant to work with a new vendor or one with higher prices, but now that prices are increasing on imported products, as well as the unpredictability of those supply chains, it creates an opportunity for customers to try Sock Club and the value we create for them and their customers.” Richardson says the firm has always been committed to educating distributors about its American-made socks, which are entirely knit in North Carolina. Through customer data, phone calls and conversations at tradeshows, the team has experienced greater interest in where its products are made. “More local production equals shorter shipping times, quality we totally control and natural positive attributes like fewer carbon emissions,” Richardson says. “We’re grateful that we have the opportunity to continue to showcase our transparency about the sourcing of our materials, our family-owned manufacturing process in North Carolina and the attention to detail and quality that we put into every pair.” Another optimist, Mary Dobsch, president of Washington, Missouri-based supplier The Chest, anticipates an increase in sales this year. Her company specializes in puzzles and custom packaging, including corrugated tuck boxes traditionally made in the U.S. “We make every product per order and have always been flexible in our labor market to accommodate demand,” Dobsch says. “There is a very healthy inventory on all our raw materials and our suppliers can provide materials very quickly. It certainly helps for all being available domestically.” Many distributors are having to navigate difficult situations in which they priced projects based on pre-tariff costs and are now facing potential losses or having to renegotiate, Brumer says, adding that Royal Apparel has received multiple reports that the total landed cost of some imported goods now exceeds what the firm charges for U.S.-made products. “That’s leading companies to reconsider their offshore orders and come to us instead,” Brumer says. “We’ve made sure to stay ahead of the curve. Our inventory levels are at historic highs, and we’ve ramped up raw material procurement to meet anticipated demand.” Similarly, Nash hopes Raining Rose is able to help customers save projects this year that might otherwise be lost. “As an industry, we still need to partner together to convince customers that even with the economic uncertainty, promotional products are a non-negotiable part of their marketing mix,” Nash says. Of course, American manufacturers are poised to capitalize on the global trade war. “Every time international supply chains get disrupted, interest in USA-made spikes,” Scaduto says. “But this time, the shift feels more sustained. Customers are realizing that ‘Made in USA’ isn’t just about patriotism – it’s a smart business strategy.” PPAI • JUNE 2025 • 81 Red, White And Sold | Must Read
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