by Li Xirui
NEW YORK, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Multiple rounds of tariffs and growing policy uncertainty are reshaping global textile sourcing, placing mounting pressure on manufacturers and brands.
"We need to balance cost, capacity and flexibility," said Rasha Alomar, senior director of raw materials and development at New York-based Grey Matter Concepts Apparel Group, citing mounting trade pressure.
Alomar made the remarks during a panel discussion at Texworld NYC, a three-day textile sourcing trade show that opened Tuesday on the East Coast of the United States.
Small businesses and international suppliers have been feeling the impact of tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, adjusting by shifting factories and sourcing channels, as a series of new tariff threats add to growing uncertainty.
Alomar said she is taking a cautious, wait-and-see approach to the impact of tariffs, given ongoing changes in U.S. trade policy. "I do believe in specialization and globalization, and that's how the world has operated. It's too soon to start scrambling," she said.
Valeria Lacerca, founder of New Jersey-based Artopology Inc. and a global sourcing and production executive, echoed the concern. "I can't do much right now," she said. "But if these tariffs stay, I have to start looking for other options and rethinking things."
"Our vendors know that, in the long run, these tariffs will end up hurting them as well," Lacerca added during the panel discussion.
China remains one of the top sourcing options for many business owners in the United States.
Lacerca said China remains very hard to replace, even as companies seek alternatives. "They are efficient. They are experienced and have a network around them. They have a very solid manufacturing ecosystem. That has definitely worked for us," she said.
For Daquan Thompson, owner of luxury streetwear brand Faith, tariffs have added pressure as he prepares to launch the brand in April. While sourcing fabrics at the trade show, Thompson said rising costs linked to tariffs are having a significant impact on small businesses.
"It's a lot more money that you have to spend," he told Xinhua. "It's very impactful because you have to be mindful."
Rather than dwelling on the tariffs, Thompson said he is focused on finding solutions, adding that he plans to travel to China later this year to visit warehouses and suppliers.
Jason Palmer, who is sourcing lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear, also pointed to China's advantages. "I want to do business in China. The quality is amazing. Especially when it comes to lingerie, it has to be done in China." ■
