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.
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.
Copyright 2025. Pietra, Inc.