The impending additional tariffs on Chinese imports is pushing Los Angeles clothing makers to import goods quickly. Steve Barraza, owner of Tianello, a brand of women’s blouses cut and sewn in a factory with 40 garment workers near downtown Los Angeles, normally would have waited to bring in his once duty-free silk and other fabrics from China after the new year. But with the new 10 per cent tariff, which could go up to 25 per cent in March, he brought in 5,000 yards of assorted silk prints and 20,000 yards of Tencel fabric in December to carry him through his Spring orders.

Everyone is carefully watching the current trade negotiations between the United States and China, which could determine whether those 10 per cent tariffs are upped to 25 per cent in March on an additional $267 billion in goods. In junior’s wear market, margins are very tight on clothing, which sells at modest price points.

David Vered, President, YMI Jeans isn’t adjusting his import plans too much this year. He isn’t too worried about new tariffs and believes something will be worked out between the United States and China to avert a trade war.