In Hidalgo County, Texas, a workshop is crafting one of the most iconic American products, cowboy boots. The business is part of a global supply chain that now faces serious challenges as Donald Trump’s new tariffs put its future at risk.
The boots here are made from ostrich leather imported from South Africa. Starting August 7, imports from the country will face a 30% tariff. This could deal a heavy blow to local businesses that rely on these materials.
“We can’t raise ostriches here in the United States to the level to the quality. We don’t have the meat demand here. We need to partner with countries that can do that. And we need to partner with them the right way. And so I would challenge our leaders to find those avenues to work with and to bring in those things that we just can’t do here in the States.”
Ryan Vaughan, CEO, Rios De Mercedes
The Texas boot maker employs around 450 people across the US and Mexico. Owners warn that the tariffs won’t just hurt their workers but also South African ranchers who depend on the export market.
In Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s so-called ostrich capital, ranchers share the concern. About 70% of the world’s ostrich products come from South Africa, and the Cape Karoo Valley alone sends 20% of its ostrich leather to the United States.
“We know it’s going to have an impact. We just don’t know how bad the impact will be, but positive it wouldn’t be. At this stage we’re just taking a wait and see approach.”
Francois de Wet, Managing Director, Cape Karoo International
If tariffs cut farmers’ earnings, production could slow down, affecting exports and farm operations. While Trump says the tariffs are meant to put Americans first, many Texas boot makers fear they will be left paying the price.
Source – Al Jazeera
