Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Trump Tariffs Threaten American Cowboy Boot Industry
President Trump's new taxes on goods from South Africa are causing problems for cowboy boot makers in the US.
These boot makers get the special leather they need from a town in South Africa known for raising ostriches.
Because of the new taxes, the boots might become more expensive, and the boot makers could have a harder time.
The people in South Africa who raise the ostriches are worried about their business too.
The leather is important because American ostrich farms cannot produce enough.
Trump's 30% tariffs on South African exports will affect US cowboy boot makers.
Texas bootmakers source ostrich leather, essential for boots, from Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
Oudtshoorn is the world's 'ostrich capital,' supplying a significant portion of global ostrich products.
Bootmakers like Lucchese, Justin, and Rios of Mercedes rely on this leather.
The tariffs' impact is unclear, potentially causing business shrinkage and shared cost burden.
- Who
- US boot makers (Lucchese, Justin, Rios of Mercedes), South African ostrich farmers, and President Trump.
- What
- Tariffs on South African exports impacting US cowboy boot makers.
- When
- Tariffs expected to begin August 1, after South Africa and Trump couldn't agree on a new trade deal.
- Where
- Oudtshoorn, South Africa, and US boot manufacturing companies.
- Why
- Tariffs will likely increase costs for boot makers and potentially impact the ostrich leather supply.
South African Perspective
American Perspective
Economic Impact
South African Perspective
Tariffs will shrink business.
American Perspective
US bootmakers may struggle to source materials and stay competitive.
- Tariff Rate
- 30%
- Source of Ostrich Leather
- Oudtshoorn, South Africa
- Main US Customers
- Lucchese, Justin, Rios of Mercedes
- South Africa's Global Share
- 70% of ostrich production
- Leather Cost
- $20 per square foot