Page 5 - The Katten Kattwalk - Fall 2025 - Issue 30
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infrastructure. The pivot back to a manufacturing- Karen: These same issues have always been there.
driven economy cannot happen overnight, even if it is They are just amplified now.
ultimately possible.
WTiN: Did the elimination of the duty-free de
WTiN: These supposed sustainable benefits to the minimis exemption lead to an increase in US
tariffs appear to be, overarchingly, an incidental fashion success or the opposite?
knock-on-effect. Nevertheless, how might this reveal
the potential future behaviors of global fashion Karen: It is far too early to tell what the industry
effects are.
industries?
WTiN: How do you foresee US fashion industry
Karen: This is really unpredictable. No one has a crystal entities remaining resilient in this time of
ball. I think the one thing that will continue for years to geopolitical uncertainty?
come is overall caution and diversification of resources,
so that no single occurrence can freeze a company’s Karen: There is one thing that I know for sure, and
ability to make and market products. it is that the fashion industry is amazingly resilient.
WTiN: How has the US fashion industry supply chain It has survived and even thrived through problems
been directly affected since the tariff wars? of every type, including world uncertainty,
economic turmoil, terrorism, war, regime changes,
Karen: It has been affected by levels of strikes and a global pandemic.
unpredictability, changing costs and price-oriented
production, which typically involves products that have In the end, industry leaders and other participants
lower margins, rely on immediate and inexpensive learn and change, adapting so they succeed.
production and delivery, and can be affected quickly.
This article was first published in World Textile
WTiN: Have you noticed a spike in specific sectors Information Network (WTiN) on August 14, 2025.
within fashion and textiles seeking legal counsel? You may access the original article here.
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