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T-Shirt Tariffs: How To Navigate Uncertainty

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  • Post published:Feb 3, 2025
  • Reading time:6 mins read

T-shirt tariffs are a tax imposed by a government on imported goods. Tariffs are meant to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, or retaliate in trade disputes. In the t-shirt printing and garment decoration industry, tariffs significantly influence the cost of blank t-shirts sourced from overseas, affecting print shops’ bottom lines.

When the U.S. imposes tariffs on imported textiles, manufacturers and distributors pass these added costs down the supply chain. For print shops that rely on imported blank t-shirts, this means higher costs per unit, impacting pricing strategies and profit margins.

How T-Shirt Tariffs Affect Print Shops

Print shops sourcing blank t-shirts from overseas manufacturers—especially from China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam—may encounter fluctuating costs due to:

  • Import Tariffs: The U.S. has imposed tariffs on various textile products, including cotton and polyester t-shirts.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Increased costs often lead to inventory shortages and delays, disrupting production timelines.
  • Price Increases from Wholesalers: Suppliers like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and American Apparel may adjust prices to compensate for tariff-related costs.
  • Competitive Challenges: Higher costs force print shops to either absorb expenses or pass them to customers, making competitive pricing difficult.
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Alternatives: USA-Manufactured Blank T-Shirts

For print shops looking to avoid tariff-related price hikes, USA-made blank t-shirts offer a reliable and tariff-free option. Here are some top USA-manufactured t-shirt brands:

1. Bella+Canvas

Bella+Cancas is a leading wholesale apparel brand known for its high-quality, fashion-forward blanks favored by print shops and clothing brands.

  • Made in Los Angeles, CA
  • Offers sustainable, premium-quality blanks
  • Known for soft, ring-spun cotton fabric

2. American Giant

American giant is a direct-to-consumer brand famous for its heavyweight, ultra-durable cotton apparel, emphasizing ethical manufacturing in the U.S.

  • Made in North Carolina
  • Specializes in 100% cotton heavyweight t-shirts
  • Focuses on durability and ethical labor practices

3. Royal Apparel

Royal Apparel is a premium blank apparel supplier offering organic cotton, recycled, and eco-friendly t-shirts for sustainable print shops.:

  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Features organic cotton and eco-friendly options
  • Ideal for brands that prioritize sustainability

4. Bayside Apparel

Bayside Apparel is a premium blank apparel supplier offering organic cotton, recycled, and eco-friendly t-shirts for sustainable print shops.

  • Made in the USA from start to finish
  • Union-made for ethically sourced labor
  • Offers high-quality, durable cotton t-shirts

5. Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel is a streetwear-inspired blank apparel brand founded by the creator of American Apparel, known for premium basics and ethical production.

  • Founded by the original creator of American Apparel
  • Specializes in fashion-forward basics
  • Supports local jobs and fair wages

Mitigating The Effects Of T-Shirt Tariffs On Your Business

If sourcing USA-made blanks is not an immediate option, print shops can:

  1. Negotiate bulk pricing with distributors to secure lower per-unit costs
  2. Diversify suppliers by sourcing from countries with lower or no tariffs
  3. Monitor tariff policies to anticipate cost fluctuations
  4. Educate customers about cost changes to maintain transparency
  5. Consider direct-to-garment (DTG) or DTF printing on alternative textiles to offset expenses

The Future Of T-Shirt Tariffs In The Apparel Industry

Tariff policies remain subject to change based on trade negotiations, government policies, and economic conditions. Recent reports suggest that China-U.S. trade tensions and supply chain shifts could lead to further policy adjustments in 2025. Print shops should stay informed to pivot sourcing strategies accordingly.

DecoNetwork Helps Stay Competitive Amid T-Shirt Tariffs

Navigating t-shirt tariffs and fluctuating costs can be overwhelming for print shops, but DecoNetwork makes it easier to stay profitable. As an all-in-one print shop management software, DecoNetwork streamlines ordering, pricing, supplier integrations, and production workflows—helping you adapt to rising costs without the extra stress. With built-in access to USA-manufactured blank t-shirt catalogs, automated pricing updates, and e-commerce tools, DecoNetwork keeps your business running efficiently, no matter how the market shifts.

T-Shirt Tariffs Don’t Have To Shrink Your Profits

Tariffs may be out of your control, but how you navigate them is entirely up to you. Whether you’re dodging unexpected cost hikes, scouting USA-made blank t-shirts, or getting creative with sourcing strategies, the key is staying ahead of the game.

If you rely on imported blanks, keep an eye on shifting trade policies, negotiate smarter deals, and diversify your supplier list to avoid getting caught off guard. And if you’re ready to go all-in on American-made apparel, brands like Bella+Canvas, Bayside, and Royal Apparel offer premium, tariff-free options that keep your margins happy and your customers even happier.

At the end of the day, tariffs are just another bump in the road—but smart print shop owners know how to pivot. Stay sharp, stay informed, and keep pressing forward (literally). Your next best move is just a print run-away