Skateboarding shoe brands could be facing higher costs soon, following a new trade deal President Donald Trump just finalized with Vietnam.
The deal puts major skate shoe makers like Nike SB and Adidas Skateboarding in a tight spot.
Reports show that both companies depend heavily on factories in Vietnam to produce some of their most popular skate shoes, including the Nike SB Dunk and Tyshawn Jones’ signature Adidas model.
Also, Vietnam continues to be a major manufacturing base for Adidas.
Now, under the new agreement, those Vietnam-made goods will face a 20 percent tariff when entering the U.S. Products that are transshipped through Vietnam will be taxed at an even higher 40 percent rate.
According to CNBC, U.S. made products will be allowed into Vietnam tariff-free. Trump has praised the deal as a major win for American businesses, especially for companies looking to expand their reach in Southeast Asia.
He also pointed to U.S.-made vehicles as having strong potential in Vietnam’s growing market.
But for the skateboarding world, this shift could bring some complications. Even though the new tariffs aren’t as steep as what was previously floated, they still raise production costs for brands that rely on Vietnamese manufacturing.
That could lead to changes in how these companies operate - whether it’s adjusting prices, rethinking production, or exploring different manufacturing locations.
For skaters, the result might show up on shelves. Shoes that have been staples in the scene, like the SB Dunk or Tyshawn models, could end up costing more. Brands may hold off for a while before raising prices, but if production expenses climb, that extra cost has to go somewhere.
Footwear has always been a central part of skateboarding culture. As the scene continues to grow, especially with more mainstream visibility and larger collaborations, changes in the way skate shoes are made and priced will likely be felt by everyone from local skateshops to hardcore collectors.
Trump’s administration sees the deal as a way to reward companies that manufacture in the U.S. and encourage others to bring production back home. But for brands that have relied on overseas partnerships for years, making that shift isn’t so simple.
The new trade terms are expected to take effect soon. How quickly the impact will be felt depends on how companies choose to respond but one way or another, the skateboarding shoe game is in for a shake-up.