Global trade has had a contentious couple of years thanks to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, which has led to the ratcheting up of already steep tariffs on goods flowing between the two nations. And just after signs that this issue could potentially stabilize—if not completely resolve itself—the emergence of the COVID-19 virus has all but ground both production and shipping to a complete halt. While other nations saw opportunities from the tariff escalation, most are equally vulnerable to the outbreak given the interconnectedness of apparel and footwear supply chains.

In Sourcing Journal’s China Tariffs & Trade 2020 webinar, held on Feb. 27, experts weighed in on how both the geopolitical outlook and the humanitarian crisis could impact product flow and retail sales as well as what to expect as the election cycle heats up.

Listen to learn:

• How quickly production will ramp back up in China
• How shipping prices are likely to react to fluctuations in supply and demand
• Whether air or ocean is the better shipping option today
• How the virus is impacting access to raw materials
• To what extent retail prices will be affected
• The likelihood of a Phase 2 trade deal that could spell relief for apparel and footwear companies
• Whether a Democratic president would mean the end of the trade war
• The countries most vulnerable to their own trade disputes with the U.S.

Speakers:

• Vincent Iacopella, EVP Growth & Strategy of Alba Wheels Up International, Inc.
• Ron Sorini, principal of Sorini, Samet & Associates
• Steve Lamar, CEO & president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association
• Edward Hertzman, president of Sourcing Journal (moderator)