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In 2025, the global sourcing landscape for **footwear and apparel brands** is undergoing massive change. With U.S. tariffs on imported goods from China, Vietnam, India, and Mexico reaching as high as **245%**, **DTC and e-commerce brands** are racing to reevaluate their supply chains and sourcing strategies.

For brands that rely on global manufacturing, these shifting trade policies mean one thing: adapt fast or risk margin collapse. In a recent Pietra webinar, sourcing leaders from **North Star Sourcing** and **Factor Quality** broke down what the smartest brands are doing to survive — and thrive — in the new tariff era.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hG4SFR4G6RE?si=I1pqoOtQCy0HF7pt" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Tariffs Are Reshaping Global Sourcing for E-Commerce Brands

On April 5 — known in the industry as **“Liberation Day”** — the U.S. government introduced sweeping new tariffs. These included:

- **125% to 245% import duties on goods from China**
- New tariffs on products from Vietnam, India, and Mexico
- Closure of the **de minimis loophole**, adding duties to parcels under $800 in value

For **footwear and apparel brands** that rely on cost-efficient international production, these changes are seismic. Even smaller **Shopify brands and e-commerce sellers** must now think strategically about **where they source**, how they maintain quality, and how to future-proof their supply chains.

## Why Moving Out of China Is Harder Than It Sounds

While many e-commerce brands are eager to pivot away from China, experts like **Jack Perkins** of North Star Sourcing say it’s not that simple.

> “China still controls the molds, synthetic leathers, knits, and outsole materials that power global footwear and apparel production,” said Perkins. “You might move assembly elsewhere, but you’re still relying on Chinese components.”

This creates a dependency that’s hard to break. Many footwear factories outside China still import critical materials from Chinese suppliers — adding time, cost, and complexity.

## Where Are Footwear and Apparel Brands Sourcing in 2025?

### 🇻🇳 Vietnam

- A top destination for **footwear manufacturing**, especially for brands like Nike  
- Growing infrastructure for materials and molds  
- Capacity is tight, and costs are rising due to high demand  

### 🇰🇭 Cambodia

- Emerging as a **cost-effective option for apparel brands**  
- Infrastructure still developing; best for simpler SKUs  

### 🇮🇳 India

- Strong in **leather footwear and fashion apparel**  
- More local investment vs. foreign-owned factories  
- Still catching up in synthetic materials and components  

### 🇲🇽 Mexico

- A strong option for **leather boots and premium footwear production**  
- Proximity to the U.S. offers shorter lead times and lower shipping costs  
- Benefits from **USMCA trade terms**, which support regional manufacturing  
- Still limited when it comes to performance footwear or technical knits  

## What E-Commerce Brands Should Prioritize When Sourcing

Smart DTC brands aren’t just chasing the lowest cost. According to our webinar experts, they’re balancing:

- **Product Quality**: Reliable suppliers with strong QC processes are essential  
- **Lead Time**: Speed matters — especially for high-volume e-commerce sellers  
- **Supplier Communication**: In-person visits, clear handoffs, and detailed tech packs build trust  
- **Factory Flexibility**: Multiple quotes from China, Vietnam, India, etc. allow for fast pivots  
- **Third-Party Quality Control**: Services like **Factor Quality** help prevent costly mistakes  

## How AI Is Changing Footwear & Apparel Sourcing

Technology is transforming how e-commerce brands manage global sourcing. Tools powered by **AI** can now:

- Auto-generate material breakdowns from CADs  
- Assist with tech pack creation and factory matching  
- Optimize supplier outreach and communication  

> “We used to spend hours inputting data. Now AI can generate a full material spec from a tech pack in minutes,” said Perkins.

Pietra’s upcoming **AI Sourcing Agent** is built to help **footwear and apparel brands** automate early-stage sourcing tasks and match with vetted factories worldwide — in just a few clicks.

## How Pietra Helps Footwear and Apparel Brands Navigate Tariffs

At Pietra, we support **over 300,000 brands** through every phase of their product journey — from design to delivery. Our platform is purpose-built for **DTC and e-commerce operators**, giving them:

🌎 Access to **50,000+ vetted global factories**
🧠 AI-powered tools for **faster sourcing and quoting**
📦 Fulfillment services across North America
✅ Built-in quality control and supplier management
💼 Expert support to navigate **tariffs and trade disruptions**  

Whether you're looking to move production out of China, explore new apparel factories, or safeguard your margins from unpredictable tariffs — **Pietra is here to help**.

## Ready to Future-Proof Your Supply Chain?

**Get in touch with our team today** to find your next factory, protect your margins, and keep growing your e-commerce brand — no matter what happens in trade policy.

👉 [Start for free or book a demo](https://www.pietrastudio.com/avoid-tariffs)

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Top DTC and e-commerce brands are avoiding tariff hikes by sourcing apparel and footwear from new global factories. Learn what’s working in 2025.

DTC Sourcing 2025: Footwear, Apparel & Tariff Strategy

## The 2025 Trade War Is Here — And E-Commerce Brands Are Feeling It  
In this exclusive video replay, Pietra and ShipBob experts unpack how rising tariffs, sourcing shocks, and supply chain disruptions are reshaping e-commerce in 2025.

Whether you're importing products from China or running fulfillment operations across North America, the new tariff landscape demands a fast, strategic response.

## Watch the Webinar Replay  
**Featuring:**  
- *Prince Ghosh*, Co-Founder & CEO, Factored Quality (a Pietra brand)  
- *Casey Armstrong*, CMO at ShipBob

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibqSv_EKRNQ?si=jTELK61Huj2M1Q_w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

---

## What You’ll Learn from the 2025 Tariff Webinar

### 📈 The Current Tariff Landscape for E-Commerce  
E-commerce brands importing from China are now facing **tariffs as high as 245%**, depending on the product category and HTS code. While a 90-day pause remains in place for most non-China imports, the pressure on China-sourced goods is already being felt across shipping ports, inventory pipelines, and consumer marketplaces.

**Key takeaways include:**
- *De minimis exemptions* are disappearing, eliminating a key cost-saving strategy for DTC brands  
- Tariff hikes are already *showing up in Shein and Temu pricing*  
- Marketplace shifts may change how customers view low-cost products — and what they'll pay for them

---

### Strategic Responses for Brands Facing Tariff Shocks  

Casey Armstrong (ShipBob) and Prince Ghosh (Pietra/Factored Quality) shared proven strategies that top brands are using to survive and thrive, including:

#### 1. **Supply Chain Mapping & HTS Review**  
Before making drastic changes, brands must understand:
- Customs classifications  
- Tariff exposure by product type  
- Potential **duty exemptions and write-offs** under 19 USC 1401

#### 2. **Global Inventory Distribution**  
ShipBob shared how brands can:
- Split inventory across multiple US regions  
- Cut shipping costs and transit times  
- Improve customer satisfaction while **offsetting tariff-driven cost increases**

#### 3. **Bonded Warehouses & Free Trade Zones**  
Learn how bonded facilities can:
- **Defer duty payments** until after goods are sold  
- Free up cash flow during uncertain trade periods  
- Offer flexibility in duty timing depending on warehouse type

#### 4. **Flexible Financing Tools**  
ShipBob’s new **Ship Up Capital** program helps brands:
- Access working capital to manage tariff-related cash flow crunches  
- Stay stocked without overextending operational budgets

---

## Who This Video Replay Is For

- E-commerce founders and operators sourcing from **China or Asia**  
- Brands navigating 2025’s **post-de minimis** era  
- Shopify, Amazon, and DTC brands focused on **margin protection**  
- Operations leads exploring **multi-region fulfillment**  
- Founders considering **nearshoring or supplier diversification**

---

## Why Pietra and ShipBob?

**Pietra** gives modern e-commerce brands the tools to **source smarter**, with access to 50,000+ global factories and new AI sourcing agents that help navigate shifting trade policy.

**ShipBob** is a leading logistics platform that enables flexible, cost-efficient fulfillment, with 60+ warehouses and new financing tools built for 2025 volatility.

---

## Don't Wait for Tariffs to Erode Your Margins

**Start preparing now**. Whether you're optimizing sourcing, reshaping fulfillment, or rethinking your supply chain, Pietra can help.

👉 **[Learn how Pietra helps brands avoid tariffs →](https://www.pietrastudio.com/avoid-tariffs)**

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Watch this expert-led webinar replay with ShipBob—2025 tariffs are here, and brands sourcing from China need a new plan.

2025 Trade War: Webinar for E-Commerce Survival

Video replay: Learn how e-commerce brands sourcing from China can navigate 2025 tariffs, cut fulfillment costs, and protect margins with Pietra + ShipBob.

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Join Pietra’s live webinars to learn about sourcing, fulfillment, marketing, and AI. Get strategies to grow your e-commerce brand faster and smarter.

Upcoming Pietra Webinars: Grow Your Brand with Expert Insights

The tariff landscape is changing fast — and e-commerce brands that want to stay competitive are being forced to rethink their fulfillment strategies from the ground up.

With new de minimis rules, rising import tariffs (some as high as 145%), and stricter customs enforcement already impacting shipments, it’s no longer enough to simply ship orders. Fulfillment has become a strategic lever — and a key battleground for protecting margins.

In this edition of the Pietra Daily Tariffs & Trade webinar series, we invited Chad Carlton, CEO of Good Company, a leading 3PL and logistics expert, to break down how smart brands are adapting to this new environment.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n34O8y4yj6M?si=SsY63dUixmFdXNX2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Key Takeaways from the Session

**✅ Fulfillment Is Now Core to Brand Strategy**

Fulfillment is no longer a back-end task — it’s a direct part of brand experience and profitability. Smart brands are building flexible, intentional fulfillment systems to stay competitive.

**✅ Tariff Avoidance Shortcuts Are Risky**

Customs enforcement is ramping up. Chad Carlton and Prince Ghosh discussed why tactics like repackaging, misclassification, or unverified sourcing can lead to bigger penalties than savings.

**✅ SKU-Level Cost Visibility Is Essential**

Every dollar counts. Brands need detailed tracking of landed costs, storage fees, and shipping expenses at the SKU level to maintain profitability as tariff rates shift.

**✅ Bonded Warehouses Are a Smart Option (But Complex)**

Chad shared how bonded warehouses can help brands defer duties and manage cash flow — but also highlighted the operational complexities brands must navigate to use them successfully.

**✅ Brands Must Rethink B2B Retail Pricing**

For brands selling into major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Nordstrom, flexibility and transparency in pricing strategy will be critical to maintain margin and avoid losing shelf space.

## Why It Matters
With de minimis shutdowns beginning and tariffs on Chinese imports climbing as high as 145%, supply chains are entering a new era of complexity. Brands that treat sourcing, fulfillment, and compliance as core parts of their brand strategy — not just operational back-office functions — will be the ones that succeed.

At Pietra, we help brands adapt to the new reality. From global factory discovery to bonded warehouse solutions to flexible fulfillment strategies, Pietra gives you the tools to navigate today’s supply chain challenges with confidence.

👉 Need help future-proofing your brand against tariffs? [Get started with Pietra today.](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sell-on-pietra/register)

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In this webinar, learn how smart e-commerce brands are navigating 2025 tariffs, using bonded warehouses, tracking landed costs, and future-proofing fulfillment.

Navigating tariff changes: fulfillment tips for 2025

## The Situation

The landscape for e-commerce brands is changing rapidly, especially with the [introduction of new tariffs by the Trump administration](https://www.pietrastudio.com/blog/sourcing/liberation-day-tariffs). These changes are already impacting sourcing, pricing, and operations across the e-commerce supply chain. To help brands navigate these challenges, **Pietra CEO Ro Trivedi** and **Factored Quality CEO Prince Ghosh** recently hosted a webinar to discuss what these new tariffs mean for your business.

## Key Discussion Points

The webinar provided tactical advice on how e-commerce businesses can:

* Prepare for rising costs
* Protect margins
* Future-proof their supply chains

## Webinar Recording
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fmRQpsSXzbY?si=PrJuP4x36d1SsVGX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Understanding the New Tariffs

Prince Ghosh explained that the Trump administration is implementing “reciprocal tariffs” on goods imported into the United States. These tariffs aim to rebalance the American trade deficit by using a consumption tax model.



* The first set of tariffs was implemented on April 5th.
* Additional “stacked reciprocal tariffs” are set to take effect on April 9th.
* To avoid the new tariffs, goods must be loaded onto a ship or plane and leave the exporting country by 11:59 PM US time on April 8th.

## How Tariffs are Calculated

It's crucial for businesses to understand how these tariffs are calculated to accurately assess their new costs.



* Tariffs can be “stacked,” meaning multiple layers of duties are added together, significantly increasing the total tariff.
* The exact tariff rate depends on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code of the product, which is determined by a licensed customs broker.
* These brokers analyze the product and its components to apply the correct tariff codes.
* Ro Trivedi and Prince Ghosh strongly recommend consulting with a licensed customs broker to understand the specific tariff implications for your products.

## Impact on E-commerce Businesses

The new tariffs will have a significant impact on e-commerce businesses, particularly those that import goods.



* The tariffs vary by country of origin. For example, as of last Friday, products from China could face a 54% increase, Vietnam 46%, and Cambodia 49%.
* Businesses that have adopted a “China plus one” sourcing strategy (having a factory in China plus a backup in another country) may still be affected, as tariffs are also being applied to other Southeast Asian countries.

## Recommendations for E-commerce Businesses



* **Accurate Records:** Keep detailed records of all shipping manifests and bills of lading to ensure accurate tariff application and resolve any discrepancies.
* **Country of Origin:** Be transparent and accurate about the country of origin of your products. Avoid any attempts to circumvent the rules, as this can lead to severe penalties.
* **Pietra Platform:** Utilize platforms like [Pietra](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sell-on-pietra/register) to explore manufacturing options outside of China and access tools to help manage your business effectively.



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Watch the replay of our expert-led webinar on how new Trump tariffs affect e-commerce sourcing, pricing, and supply chains—and how to navigate the changes.

Trump Tariff Webinar: What E-Commerce Brands Should Know

## Overview
Looking to get your brand’s products into brick-and-mortar stores? Avoid costly agency fees or marketplace commissions with Pietra Retail Connect.

In this session, discover how Retail Connect uses AI to help you find the perfect channel partner, identify the buyer, and craft compelling outreach messages—all with just a few clicks.

Retail Connect is one of the many Pietra apps and services that make it the perfect operations hub for your e-commerce brand. From product sourcing to fulfillment and marketing, Pietra makes it easy to grow your business.

## Workshop Recording
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tWzitXLrA6E?si=OSXz3kZYpW_ieYVd" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>


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In this webinar, learn how Pietra Retail Connect gets your brand’s products into physical retail while avoiding agency, distributor, and marketplace fees.

How to get your brand into retail stores without the fees

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Join our exclusive webinar where we break down the essential steps to build a successful and regulatory-compliant brand in the beauty & skincare industry.

Launching a beauty brand in 2025: tips & legal must knows

U.S. direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are facing a growing challenge: tariffs on Chinese imports have surged past 145%, with more changes expected as Section 321 de minimis relief winds down. For brands that rely on Chinese manufacturing to maintain competitive pricing and healthy margins, these changes can be destabilizing.

To help founders and operators navigate this moment, Pietra hosted a live webinar with Yan Sim, founder of Operating Crew, and Jesse Mitchell, Director of Business Development at SFI Group. The conversation explored how U.S. brands can use Canada as a dual-purpose strategy: a way to defer duties and access new e-commerce markets.

Watch the full webinar below or read on for a detailed breakdown of the strategies, quotes, and key takeaways.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lbRDgVXy_dY?si=VbKNlG-HNpWeyH2g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

---

## Why Tariffs Are Reshaping DTC Logistics

Many DTC brands rely on Chinese manufacturing for high-margin product categories like apparel, accessories, home goods, and electronics. But the sharp rise in tariffs has changed the economics almost overnight.

> "I've talked to brands where it's literally cheaper to burn their inventory than bring it in at a 145% tariff."  
> — Yan Sim, Operating Crew

In some cases, brands have had to consider delaying launches, canceling purchase orders, or seeking alternative suppliers—none of which are ideal when timelines are tight and Q4 is around the corner.

The biggest challenge isn't just cost; it's unpredictability. Tariff structures are evolving quickly, and a shipment that was viable last month may become prohibitively expensive by the time it lands.

## Canada as a Strategic Cross-Border Hub

While bonded warehouses and foreign trade zones (FTZs) offer some relief, the reality is that space is limited, setup is complex, and many DTC brands lack the resources to manage that infrastructure.

This is where Canada enters the picture as a flexible alternative.

> "Getting set up in Canada is surprisingly easy for U.S. companies. With an NRI number and a customs broker, you can be live in 3 to 4 weeks."  
> — Jesse Mitchell, SFI Group

The Canadian market itself is also compelling. With over $80B CAD in annual e-commerce volume, it's an opportunity for brands to drive revenue while positioning inventory just outside the U.S.

When brands import into Canada and re-export to the U.S., they can defer duties until withdrawal. That means brands can keep inventory nearby, fulfill Canadian orders directly, and only pay U.S. tariffs when they absolutely need to.

## Bonded Warehouses vs. FTZs vs. Canada

Brands often ask: what’s the difference between bonded warehouses, FTZs, and using Canada? While they all offer some form of duty relief, the nuances matter.

A bonded warehouse lets you bring goods into the U.S. without clearing customs immediately. You only pay duties when the goods leave the warehouse. Critically, the duty rate is based on the withdrawal date.

An FTZ, on the other hand, calculates duties based on the date goods enter the zone, which can lock brands into today’s high rates.

> "In today’s environment, locking in at 145% is a losing bet. If you can defer and wait for a better rate, you should."  
> — Yan Sim, Operating Crew

The Canada strategy functions similarly to a bonded warehouse—goods are nearby but haven’t cleared U.S. customs, so duties aren’t due until re-export.

## The 3PL Factor: Picking the Right Partner

Choosing the right logistics partner is just as important as where inventory is stored. Many DTC brands sell across multiple channels: their own website, Amazon, retail dropship programs, and brick-and-mortar retailers like Target or Costco.

> "A lot of 3PLs say they do wholesale. But are they doing one Target order every quarter—or five every week?"  
> — Yan Sim, Operating Crew

The right 3PL should understand routing guides, tight turnaround times, and the difference between e-commerce fulfillment and retail compliance.

Mitchell adds that brands often outgrow their current 3PL before they realize it.

> "When you're small, you tolerate slower response times. But once you're shipping 5,000 orders a month, you need a partner who can move fast and communicate clearly."  
> — Jesse Mitchell, SFI Group

Looking for a 3PL that integrates directly with your sourcing and order management? [Pietra Fulfillment](https://www.pietrastudio.com/fulfillment) offers modern warehousing and logistics built specifically for DTC brands.

## Getting Started in Canada: A Step-by-Step Playbook

If you're exploring a Canadian setup, here’s how to get started:

1. Apply for a Non-Resident Importer (NRI) business number  
2. Partner with a Canadian customs broker (like SFI Group)  
3. Choose a 3PL or warehouse that integrates with your tech stack  
4. Start by sending your top-performing SKUs—don’t overcommit  
5. Fulfill Canadian orders directly, re-export to the U.S. as needed  
6. Track savings and reallocate budget to growth

This approach gives brands flexibility: they’re not locked into paying duties upfront, and they’re positioned to capture Canadian demand.

## Final Thoughts: Think Strategically, Not Reactively

Tariffs may shift again in six months, or they may get worse. That’s out of your control. But your logistics strategy isn’t.

> "We never recommend reacting to short-term noise. But in this case, you get the short-term savings and the long-term market access."  
> — Yan Sim, Operating Crew

Brands that invest now in more flexible, border-smart operations will be better positioned to withstand volatility—and capitalize on it.

## Ready to Start?

Pietra helps DTC brands source products, find global factories, fulfill orders, and expand into new markets—without the typical complexity and costs.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, Pietra is the all-in-one platform for modern e-commerce operations.

**[Explore Pietra's tools and start for free today.](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sell-on-pietra/register)**

Learn more about:  
- [Sourcing factories with Pietra](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sourcing)  
- [Custom packaging and production](https://www.pietrastudio.com/packaging)  
- [Global fulfillment solutions](https://www.pietrastudio.com/fulfillment)

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Avoid high U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Learn how DTC brands use Canada to reduce duties, boost margins, and expand cross-border sales.

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