Saving $1 Million in Annual Tariffs

Import tariffs can significantly impact profitability in the footwear industry. For brands selling internationally, manufacturing location and supply chain structure often determine whether a product remains competitive in the market.
In this project, we helped a long-term partner restructure their manufacturing strategy, allowing them to reduce import tariffs and save over $1 million annually.
The Challenge
The brand had a strong product line and growing international demand, but rising import tariffs were putting pressure on margins.
Manufacturing in the existing location meant the company faced high tariff costs when exporting to key markets.
To remain competitive, the brand needed to:
Reduce tariff exposure
Maintain consistent product quality
Avoid disruptions to existing production
Build a more cost-efficient supply chain
Without restructuring the manufacturing setup, the brand risked losing significant profit as sales continued to grow.
Our Approach
We evaluated the brand’s supply chain and identified opportunities to shift part of the production process to a more cost-effective manufacturing base in Southeast Asia.
Our role included:
Assessing alternative manufacturing locations
Coordinating factory partnerships in the region
Ensuring production quality remained consistent
Structuring a transition that avoided supply disruptions
By carefully planning the shift, we helped the brand maintain product standards while optimizing its global supply chain.
The Result
After restructuring production, the brand was able to significantly reduce tariff exposure across its major markets.
Key outcomes included:
Over $1 million saved in annual tariffs
Improved supply chain efficiency
Stable product quality across production batches
Greater flexibility for future market expansion
Optimizing Footwear Supply Chains
For growing brands, manufacturing strategy plays a critical role in long-term profitability. Choosing the right production locations can dramatically reduce costs while supporting global expansion.
By helping brands structure efficient and resilient supply chains, we ensure their products remain competitive in international markets.
Looking to Optimize Your Footwear Production?
If you’re developing a new footwear product or expanding into international markets, we can help you build a more efficient manufacturing and sourcing strategy.
