How To Deal With The Impact Of Trump's Tariffs

❤ 66Disco - Under today's harsh tariff conditions, we will not increase the price of our products to ensure that you can continue to stock up at the previous cost, but the shipping costs may change. However, please rest assured that we will try our best to save costs for our customers. This has always been our purpose. ❤

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Due to the unstable tariff policy, the services currently provided are time-sensitive, so please place your order for stock as early as possible, and contact our customer service for the latest service inquiries. We will also update this article regularly.

Dear partners, as a trusted plus size wholesale partner, we understand the challenges you’re facing in this turbulent trade climate. The recent tariff hikes under the Trump administration—coupled with the elimination of free shipping thresholds (previously $800) and rising express delivery taxes—are reshaping the economics of apparel retail. Let’s break down what this means for your business and how to adapt proactively.

1. The Immediate Impact: Where Costs Are Adding Up

The End of Small-Batch Savings
With its removal, even modest shipments now face tariffs. For example, a 1,000$ order of plus size jeans previously exempt now incurs a 25% duty, adding $250 overnight.

Express Shipping: A Double-Edged Sword
DHL, UPS, and FedEx expedite deliveries but trigger higher customs scrutiny. A $2,000 express shipment of inclusive-size activewear could now face:

Tariffs: 25% on Chinese-made garments (up from 7.5% pre-2025)

VAT/GST: 5–20% depending on destination countries

Processing fees: $50–100 per shipment

This could inflate landed costs by 30–40%, eroding margins on trend-driven items like seasonal dresses or holiday collections.

Tariffs raised in 185 countries and regions

The additional 34% tax on China will be added to the country's existing 20% tariff, meaning its total tariff rate will rise to 54%. Mexico and Canada will be exempt for the time being, but remain subject to the 25% tariffs imposed last month.

2. How Tariffs Affect Global Trade

Asia’s Shifting Landscape
Although tariffs have increased, China's manufacturing industry is still the most reliable, China's manufacturing industry is currently the world's largest. However, the garment manufacturing industry in other parts of Asia has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are two examples:

Vietnam: Rising labor costs (+15% YoY) but lower tariffs (12%), the quality of clothing may be slightly worse than those made in China.

Bangladesh: Competitive pricing but Quality cannot be guaranteed, the clothing production cycle is relatively long. So longer lead times (8–10 weeks).

Sustainability vs. Survival
Eco-conscious retailers face tough choices. Organic cotton from India, now taxed at 18%, may force a switch to conventional blends—a setback for brands marketing ethical inclusivity.

The “Nearshoring” Gamble
Some U.S. brands are eyeing Mexico and Central America for “quick-turn” plus-size lines. While tariffs here average 7–10%, smaller factories struggle with extended sizing patterns, risking fit inconsistencies.

Announced Reciprocal Tariffs

Global trade has been severely affected by tariffs. For more information, please refer to Wikipedia's "Tariffs in the second Trump administration". The following picture is a list of countries that have announced reciprocal tariffs:

3. Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Rethink Order Cycles

Bulk Smartly: Consolidate orders to maximize container space. For instance, ordering six months’ worth of staple items (e.g., black leggings, jersey tops) can reduce per-unit freight costs by 20%.

Pre-Tax Pricing: Lock in pre-tariff rates with suppliers for summer 2025 collections now.

Stock up in advance: Before the tariffs are actually implemented, it may be a wise choice to stock up in the next few days to avoid additional tariff costs.

Optimize Shipping Strategies

Sea Freight for Staples: Ship basics like denim jackets via ocean (6-week lead time) at 1/4 the cost of air.

Hybrid Models: Use express shipping only for urgent restocks (e.g., a best-selling maxi dress) and offset costs by raising its price 10–15%.

Transparent Customer Communication
Although costs are rising, 66Disco has not adjusted its pricing. As always,66Disco's plus-size clothing remains of the same high quality and comfort. Every garment is designed with plus size women’s curves in mind.”

Diversify Sourcing
Explore tariff-advantaged regions:

Egyptian Cotton: 10% tariffs vs. 25% for Chinese counterparts.

Turkish Stretch Fabrics: Ideal for plus-size athleisure, with 8% duties under the U.S.-Turkey trade pact.

4. The Silver Linings: Innovation in Adversity

Tech-Driven Customization
Invest in AI-driven sizing tools to reduce returns (a $7 billion problem for plus-size e-commerce). Brands like Universal Standard use 3D body scanning to cut return rates by 30%.

Community-Driven Design
Engage customers in co-creating collections. A Canadian retailer recently crowdsourced designs for a tariff-resistant “basics capsule”—pre-sold 500 units, covering 80% of production costs upfront.

5. Looking Ahead: Building Resilient Partnerships

At 66Disco, we’re:

Stocking Core Sizes: XL–4XL tops and dresses available for immediate dispatch.

DDP Service: We encourage customers to customize. For customized plus size clothing, we can use the DDP logistics method, so that the sea and air DDP mode can avoid being taxed and provide door-to-door delivery.

   Stable Inventory: We have a large and stable supply chain. As long as you need it, we can deliver the goods to you.

   High Quality And Comfort: 66Disco plus size clothing is still known for its high quality and comfort in the plus size market, and is the best choice for thousands of retail customers.

Final Thought
While tariffs disrupt, they also compel innovation. By ordering earlier, communicating openly, and reimagining sourcing, you can protect margins without compromising the inclusivity your customers cherish. Let’s strategize your next move over coffee—virtual or otherwise.

Warm regards,
66Disco Team