California Apparel News: Import Scares, Supply-Chain Snares — How to Navigate Tariff Uncertainty
Dorothy Crouch, Contributing Writer | Friday, September 19, 2025
The Trump administration’s April reciprocal tariff announcement and pause, followed by delayed implementation with trading partners such as China, which is now scheduled for November; negotiated tariffs on some, such as 15 percent for the European Union; and high figures for others, including a 50 percent rate for India and Brazil, have caused uncertainty for many industries including apparel. This includes domestic brands whose goods are made in the United States but rely on foreign components.
These challenges have led decision-makers in the fiber, yarn and fabric industry to develop strategies that will mitigate pressure on the apparel business. At the heart of these solutions are commitments to increase diversification, innovation and collaboration in order to fortify the industry and maintain relationships.
California Apparel News asked experts in fiber, yarn and fabric: How have you navigated through proposed and implemented tariffs that impact your business from raw materials to finished goods?
Bob Antoshak
Vice President of Strategic Global Sourcing and Development, Grey Matter Concepts
Tariffs aren’t a crisis, they’re just background noise—annoying, unpredictably persistent and something everyone shares. We treat them like the weather: Expect sun, pack for rain and don’t ignore the clouds. We price realistically, from yarn and trims to cartons and freight.
Our strength is supplier partners. Good suppliers act as co-strategists. Together, we adjust origin, tweak specs to reduce duty impact, split volumes, and manage timing to stabilize lead times and cash flow. We keep the books open and run scenarios that start at 10 percent and end at “let’s not talk about it—but we’re ready.” Customers don’t want drama; they want proof that the plan holds and the lights stay on.
We cut packaging to reduce weight and freight costs. We place larger upfront orders to unlock volume discounts while maintaining a streamlined production line, ensuring consistency and avoiding lost time spent chasing style changes. Everyone contributes, including us. We share costs across materials, margins, pack efficiencies and logistics so no single part breaks. Then we communicate clearly—what’s changing, why it’s fair and how service levels remain steady.
Tariffs come and go. Our job is to prevent them from controlling the story. With solid supplier partnerships, no one has to face challenges alone.
MeiLin Wan
Chief Executive Officer, GenuTrace
At GenuTrace, we recognize that tariffs—whether proposed or implemented—create significant uncertainty across the supply chain, from raw materials to finished goods. Our approach is to remain agile and science-driven, ensuring our clients can prove origin and compliance despite shifting trade policies.
First, we proactively monitor tariff developments in the U.S., EU and Asia, alongside regulations such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the EU Forced Labour and Deforestation Regulations. We work closely with trade associations, industry leaders, legal experts and customs advisers to anticipate potential impacts before they affect our clients’ shipments.
Second, we help build resilience into supply chains. By verifying raw-material origin through forensic methods—such as stable isotope analysis, additive tracers and digital tracking technologies—we provide companies with the scientific proof needed to validate tariff classifications, country-of-origin claims and preferential-trade-program eligibility. This evidence reduces the risk of unexpected duties, detentions or reputational harm.
Third, we are diversifying testing and advisory operations globally. Our partnerships with laboratories worldwide give clients access to local verification that meets jurisdictional requirements. This global footprint mitigates disruption if tariffs shift production or sourcing routes.
As an independent, technology-agnostic partner, GenuTrace provides objective guidance on the best solutions for each supply chain. In short, we navigate tariff challenges by combining scientific verification with strategic foresight—helping brands and manufacturers remain compliant, resilient and competitive in a rapidly evolving trade environment. As we often say—“If you claim it, can you prove it?”
